The Panama schedule runs the 2-2-3 pattern — two on, two off, three on, two off, two on, three off — but rotates slowly between day and night shifts, so a worker spends a stretch on days and then a stretch on nights. It averages 42 hours a week with every other weekend off. Set your start date above to see the full 28-day rotation, day and night shifts included.
The Panama rotation
The work-and-off rhythm is identical to the Pitman (2-2-3) schedule: a 14-day pattern of 2 on, 2 off, 3 on, 2 off, 2 on, 3 off, with every other weekend off. What makes Panama distinct is the slow rotation between shifts — instead of staying permanently on days or nights, a team works its 2-2-3 on day shifts for a block, then switches to night shifts for the next block. The generator above shows a 28-day view: the first two weeks on days, the next two on nights.
That slow rotation is the trade-off at the heart of Panama. It shares the day and night burden across every worker fairly, rather than leaving some people permanently on nights — but it also means your body has to re-adjust each time the shift flips.
Hours and who works it
Like all 2-2-3 rotations it averages 42 hours a week — seven 12-hour shifts per 14-day block. Panama is common where management wants the short-block recovery and every-other-weekend pattern of 2-2-3 but also wants day and night work spread evenly: manufacturing, utilities, refineries, security operations, and some emergency services use it for exactly that reason.
Worked example
Starting on a Monday, your first fortnight is the 2-2-3 pattern on day shifts; the next fortnight is the same 2-2-3 pattern on night shifts; then it cycles back to days. The off days fall in the same places as Pitman — every other weekend free — but watch the shift label in the calendar above flip from "Day" to "Night" halfway through. Set your start date to map it for your own rotation.
Pros and cons
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Day and night work shared fairly across the team | Each rotation flip needs sleep-cycle adjustment |
| Short 2-2-3 blocks and every other weekend off | Slow rotation means long stretches of nights |
| No one is stuck permanently on nights | 42-hour average brings recurring overtime |
Frequently asked questions
Is the Panama schedule the same as 2-2-3?
The work/off pattern is 2-2-3, yes. "Panama" specifically refers to running that pattern with a slow rotation between day and night shifts.
How is Panama different from Pitman?
Same 2-2-3 days-off pattern. On Pitman you typically keep a fixed shift; on Panama you rotate slowly between days and nights.
How often does the Panama shift rotate?
Slowly — commonly every two weeks (one 2-2-3 block of days, then one of nights), though some sites rotate every four weeks. The generator above uses a two-week flip.
How do I total pay for a Panama week?
Map the days here, then enter the times into the time card calculator for hours, breaks, and overtime — handy when night-shift premiums apply.