Designing a fair shift-wish plan
A shift-wish plan is fair when popular and unpopular shifts are distributed through a transparent, traceable mechanism — for example a points system that considers who takes unpopular duties how often.
What makes a shift-wish plan fair
Fairness in shift allocation rests on three principles: clear rules, balance over time and traceability.
- Clear rules known in advance
- Equal chances for popular shifts
- Compensation for taking unpopular duties
- Transparent documentation of decisions
Methods of fair shift allocation
Several approaches are used in practice:
- Rotation: unpopular duties rotate in turn
- Seniority principle: considers length of service
- Points system: weighs wishes and balances over time (recommended)
- Pure wish fulfilment: simple, but rarely fair when resources are scarce
Points system: how it works
In a points system, employees place points or priorities on desired shifts. Those who more often take unpopular duties (e.g. night or weekend shifts) accumulate compensation points and get priority for future wishes.
This creates a measurable, traceable balance over time instead of a gut-feeling decision.
Fairness and co-determination (works council)
The scheduling of working time is subject to works-council co-determination (§ 87 BetrVG). A transparent, documented wish system eases agreement with the works council and builds trust among staff.
How vigotime enables a fair shift-wish plan
vigotime uses a points system: employees submit shift and holiday wishes, unpopular duties are balanced over time, and allocation is documented transparently — within the automatic ArbZG and collective-agreement checks. Details on the wish system feature page (/funktionen/wunschsystem).
Frequently asked questions about fair shift-wish plans
A plan that considers wishes and distributes popular and unpopular shifts fairly through a transparent mechanism (e.g. a points system).
Employees place points on wishes; those who more often take unpopular duties get priority over time.
The scheduling of working time is subject to co-determination under § 87 BetrVG. A transparent wish system eases the agreement.
Yes. Wishes are considered within the ArbZG and collective-agreement checks; non-compliant plans are not created.