Dual-based optimization of cyclic four-day workweek scheduling

An optimization method is presented for the cyclic labour days-off scheduling problem, in which workers are given three consecutive days off per week. This method does not include linear or integer programming, and it does not assume that the costs of different days-off work patterns are equal. The dual problem is first solved to determine the minimum workforce size. Then, the dual solution is used to determine days-off assignments that minimize the total labour cost. By requiring only simple manual calculations, the new method eliminates the need for linear or integer programming software.