The Shift Change Letter to Employee is a crucial document used in German employment relationships when an employer needs to modify an employee's working schedule or shift pattern. It is required under German labor law to provide formal written notice of such changes, ensuring compliance with the Working Hours Act (Arbeitszeitgesetz) and other relevant regulations. This document is typically used when operational requirements necessitate schedule modifications, whether temporary or permanent, and must include specific details about the new shift arrangement, notice periods, and any impact on working conditions. The letter serves multiple purposes: it fulfills legal notice requirements, provides clear documentation of the change, and helps maintain transparent communication between employer and employee. In Germany, such changes often require consideration of works council rights and collective bargaining agreements, making this document an essential tool for proper workforce management and legal compliance.

1. Letter Header: Company letterhead, date, employee's name and address, and reference number if applicable

2. Subject Line: Clear indication that this is a notification of shift change

3. Current Work Schedule Reference: Brief description of the employee's current shift pattern

4. Shift Change Details: Specific information about the new shift schedule, including working hours, start date, and duration of the change

5. Legal Basis: Reference to the employment contract clause or other legal basis allowing for the shift change

6. Notice Period Compliance: Confirmation that the change complies with required notice periods under German law

7. Impact on Working Conditions: Any direct effects on breaks, rest periods, and other working conditions

8. Signature Block: Company representative's name, title, and signature