What is the Pitman schedule?

The Pitman schedule (also called 2-3-2) is a 14-day rotating shift pattern using two crews. Each crew works 2 days on, 2 days off, 3 days on, 2 days off, 2 days on, 3 days off — alternating between day and night shifts across a 28-day super-cycle. Workers average 42 hours per week on 12-hour shifts.

Is the Pitman schedule the same as Panama?

They are similar but different. Both use 2 on / 3 on blocks and cover 24/7 with two crews. The difference is in the rest periods: Pitman uses a 2-2-3-2-2-3 sequence (two days off, then three days off), while Panama uses a 2-2-3 sequence with a different day/night structure. Pitman gives you a three-day weekend every other cycle.

Can ShiftFlowr handle the Pitman schedule?

Yes. ShiftFlowr includes a built-in Pitman schedule preset. Set your anchor date, choose whether your cycle starts on days or nights, preview the full 14-day sequence, and apply it as many months ahead as you need.

Pitman 2-3-2 shift schedule

Build your Pitman rota once.
Apply it for months in seconds.

ShiftFlowr has a built-in Pitman schedule preset. Set your anchor date, pick your starting shift, preview the 14-day cycle, and fill as many months ahead as you need.

Get it on Google Play See all features

7-day free trial · 19 shifts free · Cancel anytime

What is it?

How the Pitman 2-3-2 schedule works

The Pitman schedule (also known as 2-3-2) is a 14-day rotating pattern that gives workers a three-day break every other cycle. Two crews alternate between day and night shifts across a 28-day super-cycle.

The defining feature of Pitman is its rest structure: within the 14-day cycle, you get two separate rest periods — a two-day break and a three-day break. The three-day break often falls on a weekend, giving you a long weekend every fortnight.

The 14-day sequence

D D off off D D D off off N N off off off

Then the second crew's 14-day cycle. Nights rotate in on week 3 and 4 of the super-cycle. ShiftFlowr tracks your position and projects forward automatically.

Pitman vs Panama

What's the difference?

People often confuse Pitman and Panama since both use two crews and 2/3-day work blocks. Here's how they compare:

Pitman (2-3-2)

Panama (2-2-3)

14-day base cycle

2 on, 2 off, 3 on, 2 off, 2 on, 3 off

2 on, 2 off, 3 on — alternates days/nights

3-day break typically falls on a weekend

Every other full weekend off

Common in law enforcement, public safety

Common in emergency services, nursing

ShiftFlowr has presets for both — switch easily in the pattern library.

Who uses it?

Common industries and roles

👮 Law enforcement

Police forces and custody suites use Pitman scheduling for its predictable long-weekend structure, which helps with officer wellbeing and retention.

🏭 Manufacturing

Continuous production factories that need 24/7 cover with better rest structure than straight 4-on-4-off often use Pitman.

🏢 Public services

Local authority services, transport operations, and utilities with 24/7 cover requirements use Pitman's predictable rest periods for staff planning.

🔒 Security operations

Some control room and security operations centres use Pitman for its two distinct rest blocks, which suit day/night operation patterns.

How ShiftFlowr handles it

Three steps to a filled calendar

1. Pick the preset

Select Pitman (2-3-2) from the pattern library. Choose your shift type and start/end times for day and night shifts.

2. Set your anchor date

Enter the date your current 14-day cycle started. ShiftFlowr tracks where you are and fills your calendar from there.

3. Preview and apply

See every shift and rest day on a grid. Apply to as many months as you need — existing shifts are never touched.

Common questions

Pitman schedule FAQ

How many hours is the Pitman schedule per week?: On 12-hour shifts, Pitman averages 42 hours per week — the same as 4-on-4-off and Panama. You work 21 shifts over the 28-day super-cycle.
Do I always get a three-day weekend?: Every other 14-day cycle ends with a three-day rest block. Whether it falls on a weekend depends on your start date and where your crew is in the cycle. ShiftFlowr shows you exactly which dates are rest days before you apply.
Can I see my Pitman rota 3 months ahead?: Yes. Apply the pattern to as many months as you want and scroll forward on the calendar. You'll see every shift and rest day in advance.
I'm not sure if my schedule is Pitman or Panama. How do I check?: Count your work and rest blocks over two weeks. If you see a 2-2-3-2-2-3 pattern (two on, two off, three on, two off, two on, three off), that's Pitman. If you see 2-2-3 repeating with a day/night flip, that's Panama.

Stop re-entering your Pitman rota every month.

ShiftFlowr builds the 14-day cycle once and fills months ahead automatically — including every three-day break.

Get it on Google Play

7-day free trial · 19 shifts free

Other rota patterns in ShiftFlowr

More shift patterns

4-on-4-off Panama (2-2-3) Hospital 3-week rotation DuPont schedule Continental 7-on-7-off 3-2-2-3 Weekly alternating

Build your Pitman rota once.Apply it for months in seconds.