Managing field teams around the clock is no easy task. Whether you’re running a security firm, a maintenance crew, or a healthcare service, scheduling workers efficiently while avoiding burnout is a constant juggling act.
That’s where the 2-2-3 work schedule (also called the Panama schedule) comes in. This popular rotating shift system helps businesses maintain 24/7 coverage without overwhelming your staff — and it’s especially useful for field service businesses that need reliability, flexibility, and simplicity.
Let’s break it all down — with examples, variations, and expert tips to help you decide if the 2-2-3 schedule is the right fit for your operations.
What Is a 2-2-3 Work Schedule?
Think of it as the “2 days on, 2 days off, 3 days on” rotation — a cycle that repeats every two weeks.
Workers typically do 12-hour shifts, and teams rotate between day and night shifts over a 28-day cycle.
It’s also known as the:
- Panama schedule
- 2-2-3 rotating schedule
- 3/2 schedule
- 223 shift schedule
How does the 2-2-3 schedule work?
Here’s a basic example:
Week 1:
- Mon–Tue: Work
- Wed–Thu: Off
- Fri–Sat–Sun: Work
Week 2:
- Mon–Tue: Off
- Wed–Thu: Work
- Fri–Sat–Sun: Off
Repeat the cycle. This results in 14 workdays per month, meaning employees only work 180 days per year.
For a field service business, this means your crews can handle on-site visits or emergencies day or night — while enjoying more predictable time off.
With allGeo, you can automate complex shift patterns, ensure accurate time tracking, and gain full visibility into field operations — all in one place.
Industries That Benefit Most from the 2-2-3 Schedule
The 2-2-3 shift pattern is a game-changer for:
- Field service businesses (e.g. HVAC, electrical, plumbing, construction)
- Home healthcare agencies (especially for 24/7 patient care)
- Security services (guard shifts, mobile patrols)
- Manufacturing and production
- Emergency services
- Utilities and telecom
Example: A facilities management company uses the 2-2-3 schedule to rotate their night security guards without having to recruit extra staff. With clear handovers and rest periods, each site remains protected round-the-clock.
Pros and Cons of the 2-2-3 Work Schedule
| Pros | Cons |
| Improved Work-Life Balance: Employees get 2–3 consecutive days off regularly. | Long Shifts: 12-hour shifts can be physically and mentally exhausting over time. |
| Predictable Rotations: Easy to plan for – teams know their schedule weeks in advance. | Night Shift Challenges: Rotating between day and night shifts can disrupt sleep cycles. |
| Fewer Workdays Annually: Only 180 workdays per year in most setups — great for morale. | Risk of Burnout: Without proper breaks and support, fatigue can build up quickly. |
| 24/7 Coverage with Minimal Overlap: Especially effective for field service dispatch, customer response, and maintenance teams. | Requires More Teams: Needs at least 4 teams to rotate smoothly — tough for smaller crews. |
| Flexible Variations: Options like DuPont, Panama Plus, and DDNNOO can be adapted to business needs. | Scheduling Complexity: Manual scheduling can get messy — automation is almost essential. |
Tip: Use digital scheduling tools to flag conflicts, ensure coverage, and reduce errors.
Popular Variations of the 2-2-3 Work Schedule
One size doesn’t fit all. Here are four common spin-offs you might consider:
1. Panama Plus
- Adds 8-hour weekday shifts every few months for admin/training.
- Often used in law enforcement and compliance-heavy industries.
2. Pitman (2-3-2)
- 2 workdays → 2 off → 3 workdays → then flipped next week.
- Great for teams that prefer faster rotation between days/nights.
3. DDNNOO
- Work 2 days → 2 nights → 2 off.
- 3 teams needed. Best for operations with smaller crews.
4. DuPont
- 4 teams rotate through a 4-week cycle.
- Built-in 7-day break every month.
- Popular with manufacturing plants and power utilities.
Example: A utility repair firm adopted the DuPont schedule for its emergency response unit. The 7-day break helped reduce burnout while keeping weekend call-outs staffed.
Tips for Managing a 2-2-3 Schedule Effectively
Implementing the 2-2-3 schedule takes more than plugging names into a calendar. Here’s how to make it work:
- Talk to your team – Let employees weigh in on day/night shift preferences
- Respect start times – Early starts? Survey workers before locking it in
- Encourage micro-breaks – Especially on 12-hour shifts
- Install adequate lighting – Vital for late-night crews
- Rotate shifts regularly – Prevent burnout and better align with circadian rhythms
- Use digital tools – Simplify visibility, swap approvals, and notifications
Pro Tip: If you’re onboarding new hires, consider assigning a mentor to help them adjust to longer shifts and rotational patterns.
How allGeo Can Help You Simplify Shift Scheduling
Manually managing a rotating 2-2-3 schedule is a recipe for frustration — especially if you’re dealing with:
- Late arrivals or no-shows
- Missed shift handovers
- Time theft or inaccurate hours
- Complex compliance requirements
Here’s how allGeo simplifies shift management:
📍 Mobile time tracking with geofencing – Know when and where your team checks in
🔔 Shift alerts & reminders – Keep your crew on point
🔁 Automated scheduling tools – No more Excel headaches
📊 Real-time dashboards – Monitor attendance, overtime, and field coverage
Conclusion: Is the 2-2-3 Schedule Right for You?
If your field service business needs reliable 24/7 coverage — and you care about employee wellness and operational efficiency — the 2-2-3 schedule might be your best bet.
Just remember: It works best when supported by smart tech and flexible policies.
🎯 Let allGeo handle the heavy lifting — from shift planning to tracking to payroll pre processing. Schedule a demo today.