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21 <br /> Detention Center Staffing Analysis Orange County, NC <br /> attrition, and enhancing teamwork between Sergeants and line staff (as they are on a <br /> consistent team). <br /> There is, however, an issue with this schedule implementation that should be revisited by <br /> OCSO. Staff rotate every pay period (two weeks) between Day and Night shifts. There is <br /> strong evidence that rotational schedules' disadvantages far outweigh the benefits as <br /> summarized in the following research: <br /> Although there are a few advantages of rotating shifts over constant night <br /> shift, including more stable circadian rhythms and longer sleep times, it has <br /> been shown to impact on a range of health and safety outcomes, including <br /> an increased risk of fatigue, accidents, stress, depression, and chronic <br /> ailments compared to day shift workers. For example, rotating shift workers <br /> reported significantly higher insomnia and excessive daytime sleepiness <br /> compared to standard day workers. Furthermore, nurses working rotating <br /> rosters reported more stress as compared to nurses worked in fixed rosters, <br /> and engineers working the same shift reported poor sleep quality and <br /> significant levels of fatigue. Another study reported a strong relationship <br /> between a rotating roster and fatigue and sleep problems. In addition, shift <br /> rotation has also been strongly linked to poorer mental health, particularly <br /> depression and anxiety. The majority of these reported the possible <br /> consequences of a rotating shift in cross-sectional studies from a chronic <br /> point of view. Little is known about the immediate or acute effects of a <br /> rotating shift on workers, especially those working in the emergency(fields)6 <br /> Admittedly, there are some important advantages of rotational work beyond those noted <br /> above. This method appears more equitable in nature, as staff with seniority do not get <br /> the more desirable "Day" schedules, and it provides staff with an equal opportunity to <br /> have a portion of a work schedule that facilitates interaction with family and friends. <br /> These benefits typically encourage recruitment and retention in an organization if <br /> appropriately advertised. <br /> In order to achieve the above benefits while mitigating hazards associated with rotational <br /> schedules, the Detention Center should move to a shift rotation practice with lengthier <br /> time frames than the current two-week period. It is strongly advised that this be a <br /> minimum of six- or eight-week rotation to achieve rotational benefits and help minimize <br /> 6 https://www.nature.com/articles/s4l598-020-79093-5 <br /> Matrix Consulting Group <br />