International Shift Worker Sunday, celebrated annually on the last Sunday of November, is all about celebrating the hourly workers who keep our communities thriving through all of life’s moments, big or small, exciting or nerve-wracking — shift after shift. This day was initiated with a vision of creating thriving workplaces in every community.
History of International Shift Worker Sunday
On International Shift Worker Sunday, we honor the workers who make sacrifices every day, often miss special occasions or events, and work regardless of the time of the day. But who is a shift worker? A shift worker is a person who works in shifts, often changing schedules and working outside the standard 9 am – 5 pm working day.
From our daily stop at the coffee shop to a loved one’s surprise birthday dinner, and even the nerve-wracking doctor’s appointment, shift workers are there supporting us through it all. And if ask shift workers how they like to be recognized for a job well done, the response is almost unanimous:
“A simple thank you goes a long way.”
International Shift Worker Sunday timeline
Early forms of shift work can be traced back to ancient civilizations, where workers rotated duties, particularly in agriculture and construction.
The rise of factories necessitates longer operating hours, leading to the formalization of shift work.
Shift work expands significantly during WWII as industries ramp up production for the war effort.
The understanding of shift work's impact on health and well-being grows, leading to research on sleep patterns and the implementation of regulations to protect workers’ rights and improve working conditions.
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International Shift Worker Sunday FAQs
Who is a shift worker?
A shift worker is an employee who works shifts and gets payment for working shift hours. Shift work can include evening, daytime, night, and early morning shifts, with fixed or rotating schedules.
Why shift work?
Shift work jobs can create an opportunity for more flexible working hours, days, and/or schedules. Many shift work roles allow shift workers to interact face-to-face with their community and create memorable experiences for customers.
What members of my community are shift workers?
A shift worker clocks in for a shift, whether it be an opening shift, a closing shift, or anything in between, and typically gets paid by the hour. Think of the cashier at your local market, the barista, the mechanic, the retail worker, or the nurse you see. This is the day to show gratitude for those moments and return the favor in making their day.
How to Celebrate International Shift Worker Sunday
Celebrate a shift worker you know by treating them
There are many ways you can show your gratitude for a shift worker on International Shift Worker Sunday. You can leave a great tip, write a standout review, write thank you notes, and give them a gift card to your favorite local business, to name a few.
Understand shift workers’ time limitations and be patient with them
Many businesses are short-staffed, and experience rushes during the holiday season. Remember to be extra patient, thank the shift workers you interact with for their service, and consider doing an act of kindness for them.
Join the movement!
There are over 2.7 billion shift workers worldwide, making up over 80% of the world’s workforce! According to a survey, 1 in every 2 shift workers wants more recognition at work. Join us in recognizing shift workers on International Shift Worker Sunday and year-round, and follow along as they work to build happier, healthier, more engaged workplaces everywhere.
5 Facts About International Shift Worker Sunday
The average age
The average age of a shift worker is 34 years old.
Workloads of 17 shifts per month
On average, shift workers work 17 shifts per month. And even then, many take on more or fewer shifts as needed.
Shift workers in the healthcare industry fall ill most often
Particularly in the healthcare industry, shift workers take the most time off sick. The pandemic helped highlight the role of shift workers in the healthcare industry, including their exposure to sickness.
The busiest day
The busiest day for shift workers in many industries is Friday. You can find many shift workers working on weekends and even holidays.
Shift workers say they feel happy at work
Rotating shifts is usually tough and consuming and often requires sacrifices as time passes. Regardless, 40.5% of shift workers say they feel happy at work.
Why We Love International Shift Worker Sunday
Shift workers are the backbone of our society
Shift workers work tirelessly to make our communities what they are, often working difficult hours and still going the extra mile to make their customers happy. Shift workers fulfill essential roles in our society, especially during the holiday season, making this month the perfect time to thank the shift workers in our lives for their hard work.
A time to recognize and be thankful to shift workers
On a typical day out on the town, you likely interact with or benefit from the work of countless shift workers, many of whom may be employed by small and local businesses. Those "little" moments throughout the day can often make the biggest difference, yet often go without the recognition they deserve.
Offering support to them during the holiday season
The holiday season is one of the most stressful times of year for shift workers. While it's important to celebrate shift workers every day, International Shift Worker Sunday provides a great opportunity for our communities to come together and celebrate those from the industries that often work hardest this time of year, like retail, hospitality, healthcare, and delivery/logistics.
International Shift Worker Sunday dates
| Year | Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | November 24 | Sunday |
| 2025 | November 30 | Sunday |
| 2026 | November 29 | Sunday |
| 2027 | November 28 | Sunday |
