1. **State the problem:** We need to find what fraction of a 12-hour work shift is represented by 6 hours. 2. **Formula:** The fraction of the work shift is given by $ \frac{\text{part}}{\text{whole}} $. 3. **Apply the formula:** Here, the part is 6 hours and the whole is 12 hours, so the fraction is $ \frac{6}{12} $. 4. **Simplify the fraction:** Both numerator and denominator can be divided by 6. $$\frac{\cancel{6}}{\cancel{12}} = \frac{1}{2}$$ 5. **Interpretation:** This means 6 hours is $ \frac{1}{2} $ or half of the 12-hour work shift. **Final answer:** $ \frac{1}{2} $ of the employee's work shift is represented by 6 hours.