Flexible work schedules and productivity: lessons from the shipping sector

The phased implementation of flexible work arrangements across Jamaica’s public sector, which began on February 2, 2026, has brought renewed national attention to how work schedules can be structured to improve productivity, efficiency, and service delivery. While the approach is relatively new within the public service, flexible scheduling has long been a feature of operations within Jamaica’s shipping and port sector.

For decades, ports and terminals have functioned within flexible work systems shaped by operational necessity rather than fixed office hours. Long before flexible work arrangements were formally legislated, employers and trade unions within the maritime sector negotiated scheduling frameworks that reflected the realities of port operations. These arrangements have been embedded in collective agreements at the ports for many years, demonstrating how flexibility, accountability, and productivity can operate within a structured environment.

Flexibility is essential to efficiency in the shipping industry. Ships do not arrive according to standard office schedules, cargo movements cannot be confined to peak traffic hours, and supply chains operate continuously. To meet these demands, port operations are organized around shift systems that align labour resources with vessel arrivals, cargo volumes, and operational peaks. Work schedules are designed to ensure that skilled personnel are available whenever ships berth, whether early in the morning, late at night, or across weekends and public holidays.

In practice, these systems include staggered start and end times, rotating shifts, and structured handover arrangements that allow operations to continue seamlessly over a 24-hour cycle. This approach supports optimal use of port infrastructure and equipment, reduces congestion and delays, and facilitates faster vessel turnaround times. At the same time, it provides workers with predictable and negotiated schedules that balance operational requirements with employee well-being. Experience within the shipping sector has consistently shown that aligning work schedules with operational realities leads to better outcomes for employees, employers, and the wider economy.

ACCOUNTABILITY FRAMEWORKS

The Government’s phased approach to flexible work in the public service reflects many of the principles that have guided port operations for years. Allowing employees to work staggered hours while maintaining accountability and service standards mirrors practices that have proven effective in complex, time-sensitive environments. These models emphasise results, service continuity, and efficient deployment of human resources rather than strict adherence to traditional working hours.

Commenting on flexible scheduling practices within the ports, Shipping Association of Jamaica President Corah Ann Robertson-Sylvester has noted that such arrangements benefit both organisations and employees. She has explained that staggered shifts ensure that resources are deployed where they are most needed, bottlenecks are minimised, and operations can respond quickly to fluctuations in cargo volumes and vessel arrivals. This adaptability has been a key factor in maintaining efficiency and reliability across Jamaica’s maritime sector.

The application of flexible work systems also has broader implications. According to SAJ General Manager Terrence Brooks, flexible schedules allow organisations to allocate staff in ways that optimise service delivery while reducing pressure on transportation infrastructure. He added that by giving employees greater control over their time within clear accountability frameworks, these arrangements create conditions where both individuals and organisations can perform effectively. These principles have guided port operations for years and continue to contribute to resilience and efficiency.

As discussions around flexible work continue nationally, the experience of the shipping sector offers practical insight into how such systems can function successfully over time. Flexible work is not a new concept within Jamaica’s ports. It is a long-standing operational model that has supported productivity, reliability, and economic performance in a sector that operates around the clock.