Description

INTRODUCTION Shift work is not an absolutely novel work practice of the modern world; it is not at all a 'new phenomena'. The inception of shift work has a historical background dated to the nomadic days, where the nomadic tribal people used to guard their camps and shepherds their cattle's at night. In the ancient times candles and burning torches were used to provide light during dark hours by the Greeks and Romans. Even during that period of time, there were some professions which demanded round the clock services like soldiers, sailors etc. Since the Industrial Revolution in 19th century at England the word 'Industry' entered the consciousness of human mind. Before Industrial Revolution there was no time limit for the workers and they were exploited at the optimum level. Advancement in civilization and the famous discovery of artificial light by Thomas Alva Edison initiated a major change in the work culture and Industrial Revolution gave a structure to the work system by introducing the concept of shift work (Awan, 2013). Any system which involves working arrangements beyond regular 9am-5pm or day time hours can be termed as shift work. It includes evening or night shifts, advanced morning shifts, and rotating or swing shifts. Various professions are running entirely on shift work and numerous employees are engaged in works that demands different shift phases. Professions that demands round the clock services to maximize production and employee's productive capacity often choose shift work. Sometimes shift work schedule is being practiced by organizations throughout the week in the absence of any break to utilise the resources at it's optimum level devoid of any obstruction. Once popular in the field of production, shift work has entered other areas viz., medical/healthcare, law implementation, safety related services, healthcare sectors, selling, reception and hospitality, transport facility, emergency services, pharmaceutical,