When you start hiring employees for your small business, you have to figure out what types of shifts you need to fill. For some of you that are only open during regular business hours (i.e., 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.), it’s a pretty easy answer.
But if you own a business that requires round-the-clock service, you might consider a rotating schedule so you have someone available at all times.
You can break up your team’s work schedules into three 8-hour periods: 1st shift, 2nd shift, and 3rd shift. Here’s a quick look at how the shifts break down.
Let’s get started by taking a closer look at 1st shift hours.
1st Shift Hours
As the name implies, 1st shift hours refer to the first shift of the day where an employee comes to work in the morning and leaves in the afternoon. The first shift often starts between 8 and 9 a.m. and ends between 5 and 6 p.m. It’s sometimes called the day, morning, or early shift.
The first shift is often used for full-time workers, especially those in office jobs.
Examples of First Shift Jobs
While most first shift hours start around 8 or 9 in the morning, some businesses need employees to come to work earlier. For instance, coffee shops often have staff come in early, so they’re ready to serve customers who are on their way to work.
Here are different types of jobs that use the first shift schedule.
Early start time: 5 to 7 a.m.
- Emergency services
- Security
- Coffee, cafe, and bakery workers
- Cleaning staff
- Grocery stores
- Postal workers
- Physical therapists
- Truck drivers
- Morning broadcasters
Traditional start time: 8 to 9 a.m.
- Store managers
- Bank clerks
- Office workers
- Hotel managers
- Construction workers and general contractors
- Plumbers and electricians
- Pharmacists
- Non-emergency healthcare services
Advantages of First Shift
As an employer, you’ll find it easier to get job applicants for a position with first shift hours than with second or third shifts. That’s because the first shift is the most typical work schedule, which has several benefits for employees.
Here’s why your employees, or potential job candidates, may prefer working first shift hours:
- More resources: First shift workers come to work during regular business hours, which means other businesses are open too. Employees who need to make a service call or contact a supplier are more likely to get the support they need during the daytime.
- Better for socializing: Businesses are typically busier during the day, meaning more employees are working the first shift. This gives your employees the chance to socialize and develop relationships with coworkers. Studies show that relationships at work foster a better sense of purpose and happiness for employees.
- Fits with the body’s natural schedule: More than half of adults have an internal clock that follows the sun's schedule. They wake up within a few hours of sunrise and go to sleep a few hours after the sun goes down. This type of sleep schedule works seamlessly with the day shift, where employees are active and at work when the sun is up. In other words, most adults don’t have to fight their natural sleep rhythm to accommodate first shift hours.
- Provides better work-life balance: Maintaining a social life is easy for people who work the first shift since they are off work at the same time as most others. In contrast, night shift workers who need to sleep during the day find it more difficult to hang out with friends and family.
- More childcare options: Since schools and daycares operate during regular business hours, employees with children have many choices for childcare options if they work the daytime shift.
Disadvantages of First Shift
Of course, there are disadvantages to everything too, and the same applies to working regular work hours.
Here are a few downsides to working the first shift from an employee’s perspective:
- Rush hour: Heavy weekday traffic goes hand in hand with the first shift since most people come and go to work then. Employees that live far from the workplace might find themselves stuck in an hour-long commute both ways if they work a regular 9 to 5 role.
- Requires waking up early: While most people rise and fall with the sun, that’s not true for everyone. Employees that aren’t morning people might find it difficult to wake up for early first shift jobs that start between 5 and 7 a.m. Some people may need to get up early in the morning to make the traditional 8 to 9 a.m. start time if they have to deal with rush hour on the way to work.
- Less chance for higher pay: Many employers pay more to work alternative schedules, especially the night shift. So, third shifts (and sometimes second shifts) come with opportunities to earn a higher pay rate. But since the first shift already aligns with most people's sleep, parenting, and social schedules, employers don’t offer bonus rates for working during the day.
Comparing 1st, 2nd, and 3rd Shift Hours
Shift work is typically divided into three sections. We’ve already covered the first shift hours, so here’s a closer look at the other two.
Second Shift
The second shift goes from the afternoon till nighttime and typically ranges from around 3 p.m. to 11 p.m. It’s also referred to as the afternoon, evening, or swing shift.
Jobs that require people to work an afternoon shift include retail, restaurant, personal trainers, salon workers, and broadcasters.
For people that don’t like getting up early, opting for second shift hours is a nice alternative to the 9 to 5. It helps employees avoid rush hour and doesn’t require staying up all night. Not to mention, the second shift is ideal for people that have other obligations such as school or another job.
And if you’re worried about tracking different types of schedules at your business, check out Hourly. The app allows your employees to clock in and out from their phones, and lets you see hours and labor costs in real-time.
Third Shift
The third shift starts at night and typically runs till the earning morning hours or the beginning of the first shift. A typical example of a third shift schedule would be starting work at 11 p.m. and clocking out at 7 a.m. You may also hear this shift referred to as the night or graveyard shift.
The third shift is a common option for jobs such as nurses, emergency room doctors, air traffic controllers, security staff, firefighters, and police officers.
Since the night shift requires most people to work against their natural sleep schedule, employers often incentivize third shift work by offering a higher pay rate, known as a shift differential. So, it might be a good opportunity for a night owl who wants to earn more money.
Ultimately, different shifts come with their own set of pros and cons. The best shift for an employee depends on factors like their sleep schedule, other life obligations, and financial needs.
First Shift is the Easiest to Fill
As a business owner, you need to be available when your customers need you. For many companies, regular business hours will suffice. But you may decide to stay open late to capture extra business or keep customer service running overnight to address any issues that pop up.
Whichever schedule works for you, one thing is for sure: You probably need people working first shift hours. The good news is that the first shift is the most common schedule, and you shouldn’t have trouble finding people willing to work during the day. Now all that’s left to do is take a look at your business and find the schedule that works best for you!
1. Introducing Yourself
Your introductory email needs to pack a lot of information into a small package. Try something like this:
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Hello Jane,
My name is John Doe and I work for ABC Agency, where we provide business insurance policies to many of Dallas' rockstar small businesses.
Congratulations on your new business, Jane's Bakery. Are you wondering if you have all the insurance you need? Or if your policies will really cover you in a pinch?
At ABC Agency, we pride ourselves on providing robust, comprehensive coverage options to companies like yours with flexible, pay-as-you-go plans.
Are you available this week to talk more about how we can help? I can help you find the most affordable rates and the best policies out there.
I look forward to speaking with you soon.
Cheers,
John Doe
2. Presenting a Quote
Once you've met with your potential client, a quick reply with their quote will get the ball rolling.
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Hi Jane,
Thanks so much for meeting with me this morning. I loved touring Jane's Bakery–I can still smell those delicious chocolate chip cookies baking! You have a great location, and I'm sure you're going to do great on Front St.
After reviewing my notes, I've pulled together an insurance quote for you (attached). I recommend a business owner's policy. A BOP includes several insurance products in one: liability, property insurance, and business interruption insurance. It offers robust coverage at a competitive price.
I'll call you in a few days to see what you think about this insurance plan. In the meantime, if you have any questions, don't hesitate to email me or call me at [phone number].
Again, thank you for your time today. I look forward to working with you in the future.
Cheers,
John Doe
3. Thanks for Purchasing a Policy
Gratitude is important! It's never a bad idea to thank your clients for their business.
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Hi Jane,
Thank you for choosing a business owner's policy with ABC Agency. We know it's so important to get the right coverage for your business, and we are honoured you've placed your trust in us.
We're excited to work closely with you, and our no. 1 goal is to make sure you're business is always protected.
Do you have any questions? We are here to help. Reach out whenever something comes to mind.
Thank you again for choosing ABC Agency to insure Jane's Bakery.
Cheers,
John Doe
4. Welcome Email
A welcome email helps clients feel like you're there to help–and can softly pitch other insurance products you offer.
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Dear Jane,
Welcome to the ABC family! We are thrilled to have you as a new customer and can't wait to meet all of your insurance needs.
As an independent insurance agency, we work with multiple insurance providers to find the best coverage options for all our customers. If you need any other type of insurance–like [include additional offerings unique to your agency, like life insurance, health insurance, home insurance or anything else]–we can help you too.
Do you want to discuss any of these policies?
Cheers,
John Doe
5. Introducing a New Product
A happy client may want to expand their business with you.
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Hello Jane,
I hope all is well with you and Jane's Bakery. I stopped in yesterday for a blueberry muffin and coffee, and they were delicious. I loved the hint of cinnamon in the muffin! Was that your idea?
I wanted you to be the first to know we are now offering commercial vehicle insurance to our policyholders. Auto insurance for your catering vans is super important since your personal car insurance won't cover them.
We're offering this insurance coverage solely to our current business clients at the moment and have some very competitive rates.
Would you like me to work up a quote for you?
As always, thanks so much for being a part of the ABC family.
Cheers,
John Doe
6. Asking For Referrals
Once your relationship is established and comfortable, let your clients help you grow.
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Hi Jane,
You've been a valuable member of the ABC family for two years now, and we so appreciate your business–not to mention the muffins you supply for our monthly meetings!
Because you are a valued policyholder, I wanted to ask a quick favour. I know you are active in the local Chamber of Commerce, and I'm hoping you might know some colleagues who would benefit from working with our insurance company.
Referrals are one of the most effective ways to connect with our community since people really trust their friends, family and colleagues. Is there anyone you'd recommend I speak with?
Remember that in addition to business insurance products, we offer everything from life insurance policies to pet insurance.
As a thank you for your help, we will send you an Amazon gift card of $100 when your referrals buy insurance from us.
Thanks so much for your help!
Cheers,
John Doe
7. Policy Renewal
If your client needs to renew their policy with you, send an email like this:
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Hi Jane,
I hope you're doing well! What a year it's been—from being listed as one of the top 5 bakeries in Dallas to being an official vendor for the city—you have so much to be proud of.
Just a heads up that your business owner's policy is up for renewal soon and will expire on June 15, 2023.
If you're still happy with the coverage, we can easily renew it for you.
Do you have some time to chat this week?
Looking forward to serving you again!
Cheers,
John Doe