GREENVILLE, N.C. — The Greenville City Council approved moving the Fire Department to a 24/72 shift schedule, 24 hours on, followed by 72 hours off, making it the first metro department in the state to do so.
City and department leaders say the change is designed to improve recruitment, retention and long-term workforce stability, WNCT reported.
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“What it does is it creates more of that work-life balance, provides more hours to replenish the mind, and also improves service care,” City Manager Michael Cowin said.
On social media, the department said it currently operates on a 24/48 schedule. The new shift schedule will give crews more time to recover, physically and mentally, from the high fire and EMS call volume.
Officials say crews will work at least 24 fewer hours each month, benefiting both employees and their families.
