shift work; working in shifts
Refers to a work arrangement where different groups take turns working at different times, common in factories, hospitals, etc.
This factory has introduced shift work.
Nurses work in shifts to provide 24-hour care.
シフト制 is a more general term for a shift system, while 交代作業 emphasizes the actual work performed in shifts.
交替制 is a system of alternation, often used for shift systems, but 交代作業 focuses on the work itself.
Compound of 交代 (shift, alternation) and 作業 (work, operation).