Evening Shift Hours | Everything You Need to Know
- Morning shift hours: Usually 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. or 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
- Evening shift hours: Typically 4 p.m. to midnight. or 5 p.m. to 1 a.m.
- Overnight shift hours: Also known as the graveyard shift, this shift lasts from midnight to 8 a.m. or 1 a.m. to 9 a.m.
In most workplaces, you’ve got your morning shift, which typically runs from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. or 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Then, there’s the evening shift, which usually kicks off around 4 p.m. and goes until midnight, or sometimes it starts at 5 p.m. and ends at 1 a.m.
And finally, there’s the overnight shift, often referred to as the graveyard shift, spanning from midnight to 8 a.m. or 1 a.m. to 9 a.m.
Let’s focus on the evening shift hours.
These hours are pretty crucial for both employers and employees, offering a bunch of advantages for everyone involved.
For employers, offering evening shifts can be a game-changer. It opens up a wider talent pool when hiring, improves employee retention rates, and adds a lot of flexibility to operations.
But what about employees? Well, evening shift hours can definitely pose some challenges, like disrupting work-life balance and making it tricky to juggle personal commitments and family time.
That’s where evening shift tracker tools come in handy. They tackle some of the top issues faced by both employees and employers:
- Accurate Compensation: A tracker can record the hours worked during evening shifts, including any overtime, to ensure employees are paid correctly.
- Work-Life Balance: Evening shifts can disrupt the balance between work and personal life, making it hard for employees to manage personal commitments and family time.
- Compliance with Labor Laws: A tracker can help employers follow labor laws, protecting employees from violations and ensuring they get the rights and benefits they deserve.
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| What are Evening Shift Hours? |
| Evening shift hours usually mean working later in the day, from late afternoon to late at night. These shifts are common in industries like retail, healthcare, and hospitality that need to stay open longer. Employers benefit from evening shifts by extending their business hours, which can increase their earnings and improve customer service. |
What are the Typical Hours for Evening Shift?
Evening shifts typically begin in the late afternoon, around 3:00 or 4:00 p.m., and end late at night, around 11:00 p.m. or midnight.
This enables businesses to remain open beyond the regular 9-5 workday, catering to customers who have a preference for shopping or availing services later in the day
Common Types of Evening Shift Hours
There are two types of evening shift hours.
1. Full Time Evening Shift Hours
Full-time evening shift hours typically range from around 32 to 40 hours per week, depending on the employer and the specific job requirements.
These hours are often scheduled during the typical evening shift hours, which can start in the late afternoon and end late at night.
2. Part Time Evening Shift Hours
Part-time evening shift hours typically range from late afternoon to early night. They commonly start around 4 or 5 PM and concluding around 9 or 10 PM.
These hours cater to individuals seeking employment after traditional business hours. Part time evening shift hours allows flexibility and accommodates various schedules and commitments of people looking for part time work.
Is it Better to Work in Morning or Evening Shift (Pros & Cons)
| PROS ✅ | ||
| Aspect | Morning Shift | Evening Shift |
| 1. Early start | Improved work-life balance due to later start time | Flexibility for personal errands in the morning |
| 2. Consistent routine | More time for family activities in the evening | Potentially higher pay due to shift differentials |
| 3. Better productivity | Access to daytime amenities and services | Less crowded commute during off-peak hours |
| 4. Natural light | Lower likelihood of overtime or late shifts | Opportunities for nightlife and social activities |
| 5. Early finish | Opportunity for early appointments or commitments | Ability to sleep in and rest before starting work |
| CONS ❎ | ||
| 1. Early wake-up | Limited social activities during typical work hours | Less time for morning rituals and relaxation |
| 2. Rush hour traffic | Difficulty adjusting to early wake-up times | Potential disruption of circadian rhythm |
| 3. Fatigue in afternoon | Limited access to evening events and gatherings | Less availability for family dinners |
| 4. Less flexibility | Higher likelihood of missing out on morning events | Difficulty in finding childcare for evening hours |
| 5. Less time for errands | Less time to run errands or attend appointments | Higher exposure to artificial lighting |
Is It Possible to Make More Money in the Evening Shift?
Yes, you can make more money working in the evening shift for a few reasons.
Employers often pay a higher pay rate for evening or night shifts, making it lucrative for those seeking better compensation. This means that if you’re working a 12-hour shift, you stand to earn a substantial amount due to the increased pay rate associated with non-standard hours.
Additionally, recruiters might actively seek candidates willing to work these shifts, recognizing the potential for higher earnings.
Moreover, the workweek for evening shifts often accommodates additional hours, translating to more opportunities for overtime pay.
For customer service representatives, embracing evening shifts could mean tapping into new jobs with better pay incentives. This makes it an attractive option for individuals seeking both financial stability and career advancement in customer service roles.
How Many People Work in the Evening Shift Hours?
The number of people working evening shifts can change a lot based on the industry and where you are.
In industries like healthcare, hospitality, and retail, where evening shifts are normal, many people might work during these hours.
But in industries like regular offices where evening work isn’t as common, fewer employees might work at night.
Best Employee Attendance Tracker Options for Evening Shift Hours
Employers have different ways to track employee attendance during evening shifts.
One common way is using traditional time clocks or punch cards, where employees physically record when they start and finish work.
Some more advanced systems use geofencing, which means employees can only clock in when they are at the specific work location.
But did you know that you can maintain track of your employees’ attendance and record-keeping during the evening shift using automated tools?
Here are some of the best that you can opt for.
1. Buddy Punch | Best Attendance Tracker for Evening Shift Employees
Buddy Punch is a popular software for keeping track of when employees work, especially for businesses with evening shifts.
Employees on evening shifts can use their smartphones to clock in and out, which is an easy way to record their hours.
The main reason Buddy Punch is great for evening shifts is that it automates the process of tracking attendance.
1. Real Insight of Time Tracking
Buddy Punch’s time tracking feature helps managers keep an eye on employees’ hours, especially during evening shifts.
It gives real-time updates, so managers know when someone’s close to working too much. They can also track employees using GPS and easily create reports for payroll.
This makes managing evening shifts easier and ensures everyone’s time is recorded accurately.
2. Web-Based (Windows or Mac) and Mobile Application (Android or iOS)
Buddy Punch’s app is great for businesses with night shifts.
It works on computers and phones, so employees can clock in and out from anywhere with the internet.
This helps keep track of time correctly, no matter where they are working or what hours they’re on duty. It makes managing the workforce better.
3. Geofencing and GPS Tracking
Buddy Punch’s geofencing and GPS tracking feature is invaluable for businesses with evening shift employees, ensuring accountability and safety.
By creating geofences around work locations and tracking GPS data, employers can monitor employees’ movements, ensure they are at the designated workplace during evening hours, and enhance overall security measures.
4. Facial Recognition Feature
Buddy Punch’s facial recognition feature provides added security for evening shift workers by ensuring accurate clock-ins and preventing buddy punching.
It verifies employees’ identities through facial scans, particularly useful during low-light conditions, enhancing accountability and reducing the risk of unauthorized access, thereby maintaining a secure work environment.
5. Request Time Off
With Buddy Punch, employees can easily ask for time off using the system, which makes the process smoother for both employees and managers.
Managers can quickly check and approve requests, making sure there are enough people for evening shifts.
6. Various Check-in Options
Buddy Punch provides different ways for evening shift workers to clock in and out.
These options include entering the time manually, using biometric (like fingerprint) verification, or using the mobile app.
Employees can pick the method that works best for them, making sure their attendance is recorded accurately.
7. Customization Options
Buddy Punch can be customized to fit your needs. For evening shifts, you can use geofences to limit clock-ins to certain places, making sure employees are where they should be for work.
These customization choices make Buddy Punch a flexible and adjustable solution for businesses with evening shifts.
8. Payroll Options
Buddy Punch’s payroll simplify payroll management for evening shift employees by offering self-service features and automated requests.
Employees can access pay stubs and submit payroll requests independently, reducing HR administration.
Additionally, integrated time tracking ensures accurate payments, enhancing efficiency and reducing errors for businesses operating during evening hours.
9. Integration With Payroll Systems
Buddy Punch offers integrations with several leading payroll systems.
This includes ADP, QuickBooks, Gusto, Paychex, and SurePayroll, to streamline the process of transferring employee work hours and other relevant data for payroll processing.
By integrating with popular payroll systems, Buddy Punch simplifies the payroll process, saves time, and improves efficiency.
Buddy Punch’s Online Reviews
As of today, Buddy Punch has 4.8 out of 5 stars on Capterra based on its 946 total reviews.
Below, we’ll list just a few reviews that speak to Buddy Punch’s ease of use and great customer support service. (Click here to explore the full list of reviews.)
“We needed a new solution for timekeeping and Buddy Punch came through! Onboarding and integration was so easy. Once I figured out all the setting options, it’s really easy to customize to exactly what you need. Employees love using it because it’s so straight forward to use.”
Click here to read the full review
“BuddyPunch has been very helpful and I am glad my organization made the switch from our previous tracker to BuddyPunch. As mentioned earlier, the ease of use of BuddyPunch is what separates it from a lot of competitors.”
Click here to read the full review
“Easy to clock in from anywhere and still manage how much time you’ve worked in a day. Easily tells you when you’ve gone past 8hrs, and also great for seeing when your team members are clocked in or out.”
Click here to read the full review
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If you feel that Buddy Punch might be the right fit for your business, sign up for a 14 day free trial (no credit card needed). You can also book a one-on-one demo, or view a pre-recorded demo video.
2. Quickbooks Time
QuickBooks Time, which used to be called TSheets, is a tool for tracking time and making schedules to help businesses manage their employees better.
It has many features to make time tracking, scheduling, and payroll easier for businesses.
Key Features,
- Time tracking
- Mobile app
- Scheduling
- Geofencing
- PTO tracking
- Overtime alerts
- Reporting
- Integrations
- Job costing
- Payroll integration
Quickbooks Time has 4.7 stars out of 5 on Capterra as of the writing date.
It has a total of 6722 reviews on Capterra.
“Look for time and project management systems that don’t require extensive learning curves and can be picked up with minimal effort. When we’re out and about, we never have to worry about the app crashing. Your time management skills are put to the test by the fact that this item is here.”
Click here to read the full review.
3. Clockify
Clockify is a tool for tracking time that offers different features to assist businesses in managing and monitoring their time-related tasks.
It is a flexible time tracking tool created to help individuals and teams effectively manage their time.
Key Features,
- Time Tracking
- Project and Task Management
- Reporting and Analytics
- Billable Hours Tracking
- Team Collaboration
- User Permissions and Roles
- Integration with Third-Party Apps
- Mobile Time Tracking
- Invoicing
- Browser Extension
Clockify has 4.7 out of 5 on Capterra as of the writing date.
It has a total of 4788 reviews on Capterra.
“It is a great software for smart working experience. It works very well and it helps you to track time from anywhere.Its flexibility makes it compatible with everyone.collected data by clockify helps me alot to analyze employees performance and also create reports.”
Click here to read the full review.
4. Rippling
Rippling is a platform that combines HR and IT management to make employee management easier and more automated.
It has many features to help businesses manage their employees better.
Rippling offers tools to simplify the process of bringing new employees onboard, including collecting their information, setting up their accounts, and assigning tasks to make their transition smooth.
Key Features,
- Employee Onboarding
- Payroll Processing
- Benefits Administration
- Time Tracking
- Compliance Assistance
- Employee Self-Service
- IT Management
- Security and Access Control
- Reporting and Analytics
- Integrations with other HR and IT tools
Rippling has a rating of 4.9 stars out of 5 on Capterra as of the writing date.
It has 3034 reviews on Capterra.
“I use Rippling to monitor all my payroll from my company. I am able to carry my payroll on the go and I use it to present as proof whenever I wish to travel. Navigating around the app is very simple and easy.”
Click here to read the full review.
5. eBillity Time Tracker
The eBillity Time Tracker tool helps people and businesses manage time effectively.
It’s useful for tracking, analyzing, and improving how time is used, helping users be more productive and manage projects better.
The tool works for many different time management needs, from freelancers to businesses.
Key Features,
- Automated Time Tracking
- Task and Project Management
- Invoicing
- Reporting
- User Permissions
- Mobile Accessibility
- Client Billing
- Integration Capabilities
- Collaboration Tools
- Expense Tracking
Time Tracker has 4.4 stars out of 5 on Capterra as of the writing date.
It has a total of 2992 reviews on Capterra.
“Time tracker has been great for most of my employees to track their hours accurately, as well as give me a way to double check those hours using the mapping feature.”
Click here to read the full review.
Most Common Evening Shift Hours Jobs
The most common evening shift jobs vary depending on the industry and location.
Some typical evening shift hours job are as follows.
1. Healthcare
Healthcare is a field where evening shifts are most common. Hospitals, urgent care centers, and nursing homes need staff to work in the evenings to care for patients at all times.
Evening shifts in healthcare usually start around 3 p.m. or 4 p.m. and end at 11 p.m. or midnight, but the hours can vary depending on the facility.
2. Hospitality
In the hospitality industry, it’s common to work evening shifts, especially in hotels, restaurants, and bars.
Evening shifts in the hospitality industry often start around 3:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m., depending on the specific role and establishment.
The end time for evening shifts can vary, but it is common for them to end around 11:00 p.m. to 1:00 a.m.
3. Retail Stores
Retail stores often have evening shifts for shoppers who like to shop later in the day or after work.
Evening shifts in retail typically start around 3:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m., although this can vary based on the store’s operating hours and needs.
The end time for evening shifts is around 9:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m.
4. Customer Service
Customer service jobs often need evening shifts to help customers outside of normal business hours.
Evening shifts in customer service usually start in the late afternoon or early evening and can go late into the night, depending on when the company is open.
5. Security Officers and Guards
Security guards who work evening shifts often have to work overnight, which is important for protecting property and assets when they are most at risk.
Working as a security officer during evening hours can be tough, as it requires staying alert to ensure the safety of the area and the people inside.
6. Manufacturing Facilities
Employees working in the evening are responsible for tasks like putting things together, operating machines, checking quality, and fixing things.
Even though working late hours can be hard, the evening shift in manufacturing is crucial for keeping production going smoothly.
7. Transportation
Evening transportation jobs include delivery drivers, public transit operators, and logistics coordinators.
These jobs often pay more or allow for flexible schedules, which is appealing to those looking for a balance between work and personal life.
8. Media Reporters and Journalists
Reporters and journalists often work evenings to report on breaking news and events outside normal work hours.
Evening shifts in journalism can be tough, as reporters need to be ready to develop stories and meet deadlines quickly.
9. Emergency Services
Evening shifts in emergency services can be intense and unpredictable, needing quick decisions and the ability to handle high-pressure situations.
Even though it can be tough, working in emergency services during the evening can be fulfilling, giving you the chance to make a real difference in people’s lives and communities.
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Night Shift Vs. Evening Shift Vs. Graveyard Shift | Difference
Night shift, evening shift, and graveyard shift are terms commonly used to describe different work schedules that occur outside of traditional daytime hours.
Here’s a breakdown of each.
1. Night Shift
The night shift typically refers to a work schedule that starts in the late evening and ends in the early morning hours.
It often begins around 10 p.m. or later and ends around 6 a.m. or early morning.
Night shift workers may be responsible for tasks such as stocking shelves, cleaning, security, healthcare, manufacturing, and other essential services that need to be carried out around the clock.
While working the night shift can disrupt one’s circadian rhythm and social life, some people prefer it for various reasons, such as higher pay or a quieter work environment.
2. Evening Shift
The evening shift generally refers to a work schedule that falls between the day shift and the night shift.
It typically starts in the afternoon or early evening, around 3 p.m. to 5 p.m., and ends late at night, around 11 p.m. to 1 a.m.
Evening shift workers may perform tasks similar to those on the day shift, but they work during the late afternoon and nighttime hours.
This schedule allows for some daytime activities and may appeal to individuals who prefer working during quieter hours but still want some daylight hours for personal activities.
3. Graveyard Shift
The graveyard shift, also known as the third shift or overnight shift, refers to a work schedule that spans the late night and early morning hours.
It typically starts late at night, around 11 p.m. to 1 a.m., and ends in the early morning, around 7 a.m. to 9 a.m.
Graveyard shift workers often work while most people are asleep, and their responsibilities may include tasks such as security, healthcare, emergency services, customer service, and other essential functions that need round-the-clock coverage.
Working the graveyard shift can be challenging due to the disruption of sleep patterns and social life, but it may offer benefits such as higher pay and fewer distractions during work hours.
Each shift has its advantages and challenges, and individuals may prefer one over the others based on their lifestyle, personal preferences, and job requirements.
Employers often offer different shift options to accommodate the needs of their workforce and ensure continuous operations.
Advantages and Disadvantages of Evening Shift Hours
Evening shift hours offer both advantages and disadvantages, depending on individual preferences and lifestyle.
Let’s discuss!
Advantages
Some of the advantages of evening shift hours are as follows.
1. Flexibility
Evening shifts can work well for people who have to take care of things during the day, like looking after kids or going to school.
It’s also good for those who like working later or have other things to do during the day.
2. Differential Pay
Employers often pay more for evening shifts to get and keep employees for these less common work hours.
This higher pay can be attractive to people who want to earn extra money or save for specific things.
3. Reduced Commute Time
Working evening shifts can have benefits like shorter commute times, which can be a big advantage for employees.
In the evening, there’s usually less traffic compared to rush hours, so getting to work is faster.
4. Quiet Work Environment
Working in the evening can be quieter, which is good for some people.
With less noise and fewer distractions, the evening can be a better time to focus on work.
5. Work-Life Balance
Working evenings can provide a different balance between work and personal life for people who prefer or need non-traditional hours.
Evening shifts might be better for those who want their daytime free for fun or personal things.
But it’s important to know that working evenings can also make it hard to balance work and life. It could clash with social plans, time with family, or daytime duties, which might make someone feel disconnected or out of balance.
Disadvantages
Some of the disadvantages of evening shift hours are as follows.
1. Disrupt Natural Sleep Patterns
Working in the evening can mess up your natural sleep routine, which could cause health problems and make you feel less healthy.
To help with this, people who work evening shifts should focus on keeping a regular sleep schedule, making their sleep environment good for sleeping, and practicing good habits for sleep.
2. Social Isolation
Working in the evening can clash with normal social activities and events that happen during the day.
To deal with feeling isolated, people who work evening shifts should try to stay connected with others outside of work.
3. Limited Access to Services
Having limited access to services can make it hard to handle personal matters and take care of important things outside of work.
This can be frustrating and inconvenient because people who work evening shifts might have to make special plans or wait until they have time off to use these services.
4. Impact on Family Life
People who work evening shifts often miss important family events like dinners, bedtime routines for kids, and social gatherings that happen in the evening.
To deal with this, they can try to spend more quality time with their family when they’re not working, so they can be there when their family members are free.
5. Safety Concerns
Evening shifts often mean working when it’s dark outside, which can raise the risk of accidents.
Employers can make evening shift work safer by doing things like making sure there’s enough light at work, offering ways for employees to get to work safely, and making sure everyone follows safety rules.
How Can I Adjust My Sleep Schedule To Accommodate Evening Shifts?
To adjust your sleep schedule to accommodate evening shifts, consider the following tips.
- Gradual Adjustment: Shift your sleep and wake times slowly by going to bed and waking up an hour later each day until you reach your desired schedule.
- Dark Environment: Make your bedroom dark, quiet, and comfy to help you sleep better during the day. You can use blackout curtains and earplugs.
- Consistent Routine: Keep a regular sleep schedule, even on days off, to help your body get used to your new sleep times.
- Limit Stimulants: Avoid caffeine and other things that wake you up close to bedtime to improve your sleep.
- Light Exposure: Get natural light in the evening and avoid bright light in the morning to help your body’s internal clock.
- Healthy Habits: Practice good sleep habits, like not using screens before bed and relaxing before sleeping.
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How Do I Explain My Evening Shift Schedule To Friends And Family?
Explaining your evening shift schedule to friends and family can be challenging but important for maintaining relationships. Here are some tips.
- Communicate: Tell them about your work hours and days off so they know when you’re available.
- Set Expectations: Explain that your schedule may be different from others and that you might need to plan activities around work.
- Be Flexible: Try to balance work and time with loved ones. Offer other times to meet if your schedule conflicts.
- Share Benefits: Talk about the advantages of your schedule, like having more free time during the day.
- Ask for Understanding: Ask them to understand and support your schedule, explaining that it’s either temporary or necessary for your career.
What Are Some Strategies For Staying Alert and Focused During Late-Night Hours?
Staying alert and focused during late-night hours, especially during evening shifts, can be challenging but achievable with these strategies.
- Maintain a Consistent Sleep Schedule: Try to go to bed and wake up at the same times every day, even on days off, to help your body stay on track.
- Nap Wisely: Take short naps before your shift to stay alert without affecting your nighttime sleep.
- Stay Active: Do some physical activity before or during your shift to feel more awake and less tired.
- Eat Light and Healthy: Have small, healthy meals with plenty of protein and complex carbs to keep your energy up.
- Stay Hydrated: Drink lots of water to avoid getting tired from dehydration.
What Are The Tax Implications Of Working Evening Shifts?
Working evening shifts can affect your taxes. Employers may pay more for these shifts, which can change how much you’re taxed.
If you work from home during evening hours, you might qualify for a tax deduction for your home office.
Depending on your situation, you might also get tax credits for working evening shifts, like the Earned Income Tax Credit.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What Is First Shift or Day Shift?
Often referred to as the “day shift,” this typically runs during regular business hours, from early morning to late afternoon. Employees on this shift get to work when most businesses are open, and they usually get paid time off for breaks.
What Is Second Shift or Swing Shift or Afternoon Shift?
Also known as the “swing shift,” this starts in the afternoon and extends into the evening. Those who prefer working later in the day, perhaps due to being night owls, find this schedule suitable. Even though they work into the night, they still might get paid time off.
What Is Split Shift?
A less common arrangement, the split shift involves dividing the workday into two distinct periods with a break in between. This is good for people who need flexibility in their schedules, letting them handle personal stuff while still getting work done.
What Is Rotating Shift?
Some industries, like healthcare or manufacturing, work around the clock. In these places, employees switch between different shifts, including nights, to keep things running all the time. It can be tough to keep a regular sleep schedule, but they often get paid time off and have different hours to work.
What Is Night Work Shift?
Night shifts are for people who do well working at night. They start in the evening and go until early morning. Night owls like this because it fits their natural rhythm, even though they might need to adjust for daytime activities.
