What Is a 7-on-7-off Schedule?

At‑a‑Glance

• Pattern: 7 straight 12‑hour days (≈84 hrs), then 7 days off.
• Days off/year: 182; two‑week average: 42 hrs/week.
• Overtime: 44 OT hours every 2 weeks under FLSA (≈52% cost uplift in work week).
• Best for: remote/oil & gas/offshore/mining/maritime; two‑team rotations.
• Risks: severe fatigue by days 5–7, handoff errors, high OT costs, family strain.

Two‑Team Rotation (Example)

Week 1:  AAAAAAA  (Team A works)
         bbbbbbb  (Team B off)
Week 2:  BBBBBBB  (Team B works)
         aaaaaaa  (Team A off)

Sample Budget Math (Non‑exempt)

• Week 1: 40 straight + 44 OT @1.5×
• Week 2: 0 hours
• Two‑week average: 42 hrs/week with 44 OT per cycle (plan coverage and cost accordingly; check CA daily‑OT rules).

What Is a 7-on-7-off Schedule?

A 7-on-7-off schedule (also called week-on-week-off) is a work pattern where employees work seven consecutive days, typically 12-hour shifts, followed by seven consecutive days off. This compressed schedule provides 182 days off annually while maintaining full-time hours.

According to NIOSH research on working hours, extended work periods like 7-on-7-off schedules are most common in remote industries requiring on-site stays—oil and gas, mining, and offshore operations—where the pattern balances intensive work periods with extended recovery time.

Quick Answer

Work seven straight days (usually 12-hour shifts totaling 84 hours), then get the entire next week off. This pattern gives you 182 days off per year—78 more than traditional Monday–Friday jobs.

How Does a 7-on-7-off Schedule Work?

The pattern alternates between full weeks of work and complete rest. Team A works Week 1 while Team B is off, then they swap for Week 2. This rotation continues indefinitely, providing predictable scheduling months in advance.

Typical 12-Hour Shift Structure

• Most common: 7:00 AM – 7:00 PM or 7:00 PM – 7:00 AM
• Work week: 84 hours (7 days × 12 hours)
• Off week: 0 hours
• Two-week average: 42 hours per week

Overtime Under FLSA: Work weeks include 40 hours straight time plus 44 hours overtime (1.5×), making this pattern approximately 52% more expensive than straight-time schedules.

Comparing 7-on-7-off to Other Schedules

vs Traditional 5-Day: 78 more days off annually but requires seven consecutive long shifts with significant overtime costs.

vs 4-on-3-off: Four-on-3-off offers more frequent breaks but fewer total days off and shorter rest periods.

vs 14-on-14-off: Two-week rotations provide longer rest but double consecutive work days, increasing fatigue and safety risks.

What Are the Benefits of 7-on-7-off Schedules?

For Employees

• 182 days off annually—75% more than traditional schedules (104 days)
• Full weeks off enable extended travel, family time, or personal projects
• High earning potential from guaranteed overtime (44 hours per two weeks)

For Employers

• Remote site coverage—ideal for offshore platforms, mines, and camps
• Reduced turnover through attractive schedules for long-distance commuters
• Simple two-team rotation—Team A works while Team B is off

What Are the Challenges of 7-on-7-off Schedules?

• Severe fatigue by days 5–7—NIOSH research shows injury rates increase 30–50% compared to day 1
• High overtime costs—44 overtime hours every two weeks increases labor costs by ~52%
• Family strain—week-long absences challenge parenting and relationships

What Industries Use 7-on-7-off Schedules?

• Oil/Gas/Mining/Offshore—remote platforms and FIFO camps where workers fly in for rotations
• Power Generation—nuclear plants, hydroelectric facilities, and grid control requiring 24/7 coverage
• Healthcare—remote nursing stations and specialized facilities
• Maritime—cargo ships and offshore installations
• Emergency Services—wildland firefighting and EMS requiring intense coverage with recovery time

Implementing 7-on-7-off Schedules

• Assess if extended work periods benefit your operation vs. shorter rotations like 4-on-3-off
• Budget for overtime (44 hours per two weeks increases costs ~52%)
• Establish fatigue protocols and shift notes for crew handoffs
• Ensure FLSA overtime compliance and state-specific rules (especially California daily OT)
• Provide quality rest facilities for on-site housing

Try ShiftFlow’s scheduling tools to manage 7-on-7-off rotations with automatic overtime calculation and team communication.

Is a 7-on-7-off Schedule Right for You?

✅ Great if:

• You work in remote locations requiring on-site stays during work periods
• Extended weeks off enable you to travel home from distant worksites
• You value maximum annual days off (182) over more frequent breaks
• Your family situation supports week-long absences followed by full weeks home

⚠️ Risky if:

• Seven consecutive 12-hour shifts would create dangerous fatigue in your role
• You have young children or caregiving responsibilities requiring daily presence
• Health conditions make extended intensive work periods risky
• Your personal stress tolerance doesn’t handle week-long intensive schedules well

Sources

• NIOSH Working Hours Health and Safety Guide – CDC research on extended work hours, fatigue, and injury risk
• OSHA Workplace Safety Guidelines – Federal workplace safety regulations for extended shifts
• Bureau of Labor Statistics Shift Work Data – U.S. shift work statistics and prevalence
• International Labour Organization Working Time Statistics – Global working hours and shift patterns research

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a 7-on-7-off schedule?

A work pattern where employees work seven consecutive days (typically 12-hour shifts) followed by seven consecutive days off, providing 182 days off annually while averaging 42 hours per week.

How many hours is a 7-on-7-off schedule?

Workers complete 84 hours during their 7-day work week (7 × 12 hours). Under FLSA, this results in 44 hours of overtime every two weeks.

Is 7-on-7-off better than 4-on-3-off?

Seven-on-7-off provides more total days off (182 vs. 156) and longer rest periods—ideal for remote workers. However, 4-on-3-off reduces fatigue with shorter stretches and more frequent breaks.