Many workers choose to work at night and during the weekends simply because it pays more. Walking the production floor for long hours with fewer employees, distractions, and small talk can definitely increase one’s productivity. Plus, it’s an excellent way to earn extra money.
Yes, there are challenges to working at night and on weekends. But don’t worry, we’ll provide you with effective strategies that will help maintain your health, keep your relationships intact, and add more money to your pocket.
Understanding Why Employers Pay More for Night and Weekend Work
Before we begin, let’s discuss why businesses offer overtime, graveyard shifts, and weekend work. The main answer is productivity. With more hours, resources, and round-the-clock work, companies are able to sustain their operations and better allocate resources. This is especially true in light industrial and manufacturing fields, where equipment and heavy machinery can run 24/7. All they need is someone to operate them—you.
Adding labor hours also ensures continuous customer service in case a client or customer has concerns. It has become a globally competitive strategy that allows businesses to work in different time zones, especially for large organizations with overseas teams.
On the other hand, night shifts and weekend jobs would mean non-traditional work hours for employees. To compensate for this demanding task, most employers offer workers attractive benefits and overtime pay. After all, they’re able to find more opportunities and profit simply by keeping their lights on at night.
Work-Life Balance: The Impact of Off-Hours Work
Let’s lay out the advantages and disadvantages of night shift work.
On one hand, you can work and perform your tasks effectively without the constant need to communicate with your colleagues or the noise that comes with it. You can be more productive and effective in your tasks with less distraction or conflict. There’s also less traffic, no rush hours, and more time to prepare, making it appealing to those who don’t live near the worksite.
Unfortunately, it can affect your social life, personal relationships, and natural sleep patterns. It may even cause fatigue and other health concerns. Night shift jobs can be challenging, so workers must be physically and mentally prepared to work at night before agreeing to this arrangement.
Weekend work may not have the same negative effects as night shifts, but some challenges include sacrificing weekend gatherings and resting while others work during the weekdays. One advantage of weekend work is that employees can follow normal sleep schedules and still have time for their families and friends.
Regardless, both arrangements offer higher pay. If you’re up to the task, consider choosing to work the night shift or swapping your weekends.
6 Ways to Work the Night Shift and Stay Healthy
Night shift employees mainly battle disrupted sleep. So, it’s crucial to maintain good health to offset the disadvantages of working night shifts. Here are six strategies that you can apply:
1. Manage your time and obligations.
Time management is essential, even during daytime hours. It becomes more critical during overnight work periods. Instead of weekly transitions, request longer durations of night work, such as three to four weeks in a row. This way, you won’t have to constantly adjust your body clock from day to night.
As you become more acquainted with the night shift, find time to spend with your family and friends. This may not be easy initially, but getting their support and understanding will be extremely beneficial.
2. Organize your sleep routine.
Make sure to follow your sleep plan to achieve the proper quantity of sleep. If you need to, take a 30- to 40-minute-power nap. You may also consider getting a blackout curtain, a sleep mask, or an ear plug to rest efficiently during the day.
Another thing you can do is soundproof your room using acoustic panels, soundproof foam, or sleep headphones. On the other hand, you can always choose a quieter part of the house to sleep.
3. Seek support from your family and friends.
Your family and friends will be your main source of support during night shifts. Ask them to be less noisy during the day. Explain your situation and how important it is for you to have enough rest during the day.
If someone urgently needs you, tell them to contact someone like a family member or your spouse. Turning off or setting your phone on silent during the day will also be beneficial to limit phone calls and notifications. These will ensure that everyone in your life is on board with your work arrangements and provide you with the support you need.
Read more: Avoiding Burnout: 5 Tips for Staying Energized and Productive in Physically Demanding Jobs
4. Maintain a healthy diet and focus on your health.
Prepare your meals before work and prioritize eating home-cooked meals. If you can, ask someone from your family to prepare for you. Add fruit and vegetables as well. Make sure to eat food rich in protein and vitamins. It’s always better to eat fresh food, as it contains more nutrients, helps maintain energy levels throughout your work period, and supports your immune system during the stresses of irregular schedules.
It may be tempting to go to the convenience store or vending machines once in a while. However, the food you get here isn’t healthy and will not provide the nutrition you need. Limit caffeine and energy drinks, as these will only provide you with short-term benefits. Eventually, they will become less effective and possibly affect your health negatively in the long run.
5. Keep in touch.
Joining family gatherings and social interactions might be challenging when working irregular hours. You might think that skipping these events and heading for bed might be the best solution. However, isolating yourself socially can actually make matters worse for your mental well-being and work-life balance.
In contrast, surrounding yourself with your loved ones can significantly improve your mood. According to a study published in PubMed Central, people with strong social relationships can even increase their survival rates by a whopping 50 percent.¹ This means that maintaining healthy relationships with your loved ones can be beneficial in many ways.
Humans are social beings—and no man is an island. When you isolate yourself, depression, loneliness, and stress can only worsen. So, make sure to keep in touch with your loved ones and friends whenever you can.
6. Stay fit and go outside.
Working out is a great way to stay fit. However, you don’t have to engage in extreme gym sessions or strenuous sports just to stay fit. What matters is that you give your body the exercise it needs and keep it moving.
Instead of lying down or sitting on the couch for hours because you’re tired, try to walk outside and enjoy the surroundings. If you can visit the park, go there. This can improve your mood and release tension. On the scientific side, it helps release endorphins, which are our “feel good” hormones, allowing you to feel refreshed and more energized.²
Don’t pressure yourself to be extremely fit right away. Take it slow and engage in light activities or sports. Soon, you’ll be able to engage in more physical activities. Plus, it helps you stay fit and look good.
Get ready for the night shift with Horizon America.
Working night shift jobs doesn’t have to be all about the downside. There are obvious benefits to working off-hours and during weekends. Mainly, it adds to your disposable income, allowing you to manage your finances more effectively. While working overnight hours does present challenges, there are several strategies you can implement to effectively manage stress, isolation, and discomfort.
We understand that jobs can be hard, especially at night. This is why Horizon America provides the help you need if you’re open to working a night shift. We don’t just place you in a fulfilling career; we also support you along the way.
Be one of our candidates today, and let us be your partner.
References
- Holt-Lunstad, Julianne et al. “Social Relationships and Mortality Risk: A Meta-analytic Review.” PubMed Central, https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC2910600/. 7 Mar. 2025.
- “Exercise and stress: Get moving to manage stress.” Mayo Clinic, 3 Aug. 2022, https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/stress-management/in-depth/exercise-and-stress/art-20044469#:~:text=It%20reduces%20negative%20effects%20of,working%20together%20through%20those%20effects.
