Work is essentially stressful- at work we demonstrate our skills, strength, understanding and capacity.There will be an element of competition with fellow workers, perhaps against the clock, perhaps for a word of praise and encouragement, perhaps for financial reward.

Shift work is stressful for we need to change our 24 hour circadian rhythms, to sleep during the hours of daylight, to adjust our patterns of rest, recreation and activity at odds with the cultural norms in the society around us.

Some shift work is essential in a complex 24 hour society. It is usually recognised with additional financial reward and works best when it is planned and staged over 3-4 weeks with the worker shifting 8 hours every 7-10 days

I.e. Shift 1 6am to 2 pm……Days 1-7 3 day break

Shift 2 2pm to 10 pm….…Days 11-18 3 day break

Shift 3 10pm to 6am……Days 22 to 29 3 day break

The attention and concern of manager for man, the interest in the worker’s activity is a powerful stress breaker and known as the Hawthorne effect. When the worker feels considered and cared about productivity increases and stress diminishes.