This year, National Third Shift Workers Day is observed on May 10, the second Wednesday of May. We take this opportunity to honour and thank the individuals who labour throughout the night to keep our communities safe while we sleep and continue 247 business operations. As the majority of us work during the day, some individuals maintain the emergency infrastructure and other services at night.
HISTORY OF NATIONAL THIRD SHIFT WORKERS DAY
During the industrial revolution, from 1760 to 1840, the modern concept of shift work became increasingly prevalent. As America and Europe transitioned from hand-production methods to new mechanical processes and techniques, the iron, steam, and chemical industries saw increased profits and efficiencies. In addition to being able to work more efficiently with their existing workforce, factory owners were also able to employ more unskilled labourers to work around the clock and increase output.
With a strong emphasis on maximising productivity, the need for shift labourers as a mode of modern work became more apparent. Nevertheless, as advantageous as this was for managers of the past and present, as with all revolutionary developments, there were and continue to be drawbacks. Due to the unusual nature of night-shift employees, sleep deprivation and other health problems are a major concern for these individuals.
Jeff Corbett established the National Third Shift Day. He wished to honour the night-shift employees who keep our cities and enterprises safe and operational while we sleep. It is essential to realise that night-shift work is not limited to the manufacturing industry, but also applies to other enterprises and government infrastructures such as hospitals, water, and electricity.
We are grateful that there are individuals who dedicate their lives to such an atypical lifestyle in order to serve, protect, and maintain the operations of society. Today, we work to promote and increase awareness of those who keep the shelves stocked, our water and electricity running through the night, and care for the sick, to name a few of the important professions for which we should be grateful.
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5 INSIGHTFUL FACTS ABOUT THE NIGHT SHIFT
A shield while we slumber.
While we slumber, night-shift employees ensure that fire departments, police stations, and other emergency services are always operational.
The globe never truly rests.
This means that we can still order late-night snacks and travel home when we stay out late because businesses are able to operate 24 hours a day because of night-shift employees.
The expression ‘Graveyard Shift’
This term originated in the United States during the 1800s to describe the working hours between midnight and eight a.m. due to the solitude and silence experienced during this time.
More money, more difficulties?
Due to the demands and lifestyle adjustments associated with night shift work, businesses typically pay a premium wage to attract qualified candidates.
Not always a selection
For many families, working the night shift is the only option for providing round-the-clock child care or daytime care for a disabled or ill family member.
NATIONAL THIRD SHIFT WORKERS DAY DATES
| Year | Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | May 11 | Wednesday |
| 2023 | May 10 | Wednesday |
| 2024 | May 8 | Wednesday |
| 2025 | May 14 | Wednesday |
| 2026 | May 13 | Wednesday |
