Overnight shift for 24Hr Center.

[mike5]

I would like to have some feedback on the minimum number of staff on an overnight shift. Not in terms of dealing with call volumes so much as the safety issue. Is 2 enough? One goes for a walk on his/her lunch leaving 1 on the floor, acceptable or risk?
What are your policies/guidelines? Any comments/feedback would be appreciated.

[John Barrios]

Optimum is an 8 person desk. I have worked with 24/7/365 most of my carrer in the computer industry.
The main thing you have to think about is overlapping, make sure you have a one to two hr overlap between shifts. While during the week you will have the manpower to cover and sometimes over cover shifts, on the weekend you will be light, usually one per shift. if you have more than eight then your can spread to two person shifts. That will allow for illness and vacation. If you want some schedules I can assist in putting some together using excel.
sincerely,
John Barrios
jbarrios@anacomp.com
760 305 5433