Split shift

A split shift is one day's rostered work divided into two or more separate blocks with a substantial unpaid gap between them: for example, a lunch service and a dinner service several hours apart, instead of one continuous shift.

Where split shifts are used

Split shifts are common where demand comes in clear peaks rather than a steady flow through the day:

• Hospitality venues rostering a lunch rush and a dinner rush separately.
• Event or attraction venues rostering a matinee block and an evening block.
• Transport or venue-security roles covering a morning peak and an evening peak.

Each block usually has its own start and finish for attendance and pay, and the gap between blocks is usually unpaid, since the worker doesn't have to be present or available during it.

The trade-off

Split shifts let a business match staff to real peaks without paying for a long quiet stretch in the middle. Staff often dislike them, though: the gap ties up a large part of the day without earning anything, and going home in between may not be practical.

Whether split shifts need a minimum gap, extra allowances or a specific mention in an employment agreement depends on the award, agreement or minimum standards that apply. Check current NZ or AU guidance rather than assuming a default.

In Chronomancer

Each night in Chronomancer has one expected start and finish time, which feed payroll hours and each person's calendar feed. Chronomancer doesn't split a night into blocks. A venue whose day and evening work are different jobs can run them as separate rosters, each with its own times.