ON-CALL MANAGEMENT
On-Call Rotations & Schedules
A roster that determines which engineer is responsible for responding to incidents at any given time.
On-Call Schedule
A roster that determines which engineer is responsible for responding to incidents at any given time.
Common Schedules
- Weekly: One person on for 7 days. (Simple, but high burnout risk).
- Daily: Rotate every 24 hours. (More handoffs, but less fatigue).
- Custom: 3 days on, 4 days off.
ExFintech Startup Schedule Evolution
"Started with ad-hoc "whoever is available" → chaos. Moved to weekly rotation → predictable but high fatigue. Final: 3-person teams with 2-days-on/5-days-off rotation using calendar-based scheduling tool."
Impact
On-call satisfaction score increased from 2.1 to 4.2/5
Resolution
Automated scheduling with fair rotation tracking
Why On-Call Schedule Matters
Ensures continuous coverage without relying on a single hero.
Predictability allows engineers to plan their lives.
Common Pitfalls
Last-minute schedule changes
Get 2 weeks notice for swaps. Emergency changes should be rare and compensated. Constant changes erode trust.
Not tracking historical on-call burden
Track who has been on-call during holidays, high-traffic periods, and major incidents. Use this data to ensure fair distribution over time.
Related Terms
Visualize On-Call Rotations
Benchmark against industry standards and identify improvement opportunities.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best on-call schedule?
There is no "best" schedule. The right schedule depends on team size, alert volume, and time zone distribution. Start with weekly rotations and adjust based on feedback.
How do I handle holidays and weekends?
Rotate holidays and weekends fairly across the team. Track who has taken holiday shifts and ensure everyone shares the burden. Use a "holiday multiplier" (1 holiday shift = 2 regular shifts).
Should on-call schedules be published?
Yes, publish the schedule at least 2 weeks in advance. Use a shared calendar or on-call scheduling tool. Engineers need time to plan their lives around on-call weeks.