One perk that may help your business attract and keep top talent is the flexibility to work a compressed schedule.
Employees can complete a full 40-hour work week in fewer than the standard five days using a compressed work schedule.
A reduced workweek can boost output while giving people more time for themselves.
Implementation of compressed work schedules varies by organization and even department.
This post is for small business owners who are thinking about having their personnel work a compact schedule.
For small business owners in every industry, finding and keeping great people is a major challenge. High-demand workers can view those advantages as the bare minimum, even if competitive pay, excellent employee benefits, and sufficient vacation time are necessary.
If you want to draw in a high-caliber staff but aren’t necessarily able to afford to increase salary or perks, offering flexibility is a great technique. Some businesses provide employees with an alternative.
What is a compressed work schedule?
Employees who work a compressed schedule complete a full-time schedule (equivalent to 80 hours over two weeks) but on less than five days per week (or an otherwise nontraditional arrangement). Employees still put in 40 hours a week, but they could work 10 hours a day across four days instead of eight, with an extra day off in the middle of the week.
Why do employees like compressed work schedules?
Employees that work under pressure get an extra day off. For some workers, having that extra day may result in a better work-life balance.
Employees that have a long commute might also profit from this sort of work arrangement. For some employees, not having to drive or use public transit one more day a week may be extremely enticing.
Do some employees dislike compressed work schedules?
Yes. Every employee may not be able to handle a short workweek. Some workers find it challenging to work longer days due to demands in their personal and family lives. In addition, some people like short bursts of labor over extended periods.
In other words, employees shouldn’t be required to work a shortened schedule; it should be an option.
What is a 4/10 compressed work schedule?
A 4/10 schedule, in which an employee works four 10-hour days (Monday through Thursday), with Friday, Saturday, and Sunday off, is the most typical sort of compressed work arrangement. This arrangement is often referred to as “a four-day workweek.”
Four-day workweeks have recently drawn more interest from both employees and businesses. That’s because some individuals believe that these shortened workweeks enhance productivity, staff retention, recruiting, and general well-being.
Though they may be most useful in office settings, 4/10 compressed work schedules aren’t necessarily the norm in any business or location just yet. They could also be useful in places that deal with the public and are open for more than eight hours a day, including restaurants and retail stores.
What is a 9/80 compressed work schedule?
The 9/80 schedule is the most popular alternative to the compressed workweek if four days on and three days off don’t work for your company.
In a two-week cycle, the employee on a 9/80 schedule works nine hours per day (often Monday through Thursday) and eight hours per day on the last day of the first week (Friday). Then, from Monday through Thursday, employees work nine hours a day again during the second week while also receiving an additional full day off (Friday).
This schedule equates to 80 hours of paid labor spread over two weeks, yet workers are given two weekends with three full days off each month.
What are the pros and cons of compressed work schedules?
More free time: A reduced workweek enables employees to take more time off to relax, whether through a 4/10 or 9/80 schedule.
Employees are less likely to miss work to do errands or take care of personal problems since they have more spare time.
Better service hours: If your company has a customer service division, providing later support hours through a condensed workday will help clients who wish to get in touch with you after 5 p.m.
fewer commutes Some employees can save time and money by coming in less regularly, depending on how distant their homes are from the workplace.
Cons of compressed work schedules
Worker fatigue: Performing the same amount of labor in fewer days might wear out workers, depending on the sector and employment.
Other business partners, clients, or contractors who follow the conventional 9–5 Monday–Friday schedule may not be able to work with your schedule. Your payroll schedule can be causing you problems.
Unauthorized overtime: Even though your workers work the same amount of hours, they could qualify for a different pay scale if it isn’t strictly regulated. To be sure you are not breaking any laws, research the overtime pay regulations in your state.
Employee inconvenience: While a shortened workweek could be ideal for you and some of your staff, it might not be feasible for everyone. For instance, some childcare facilities feature.
Tips for implementing a compressed workweek
Following these recommendations will make it easier to implement your reduced workweek:
Think about the law. There may be rules in your city or state that limit the number of hours an employee may work in a certain period of time. Before implementing a new schedule, always double-check with your state labour office to be sure you’re in compliance.
Set regular business hours. When a reduced workweek is implemented, several firms experience personnel issues. To maintain appropriate coverage at the workplace, be sure to properly plan out your personnel schedules.
Find out the preferences of the staff. Your staff members may be significantly impacted by a new arrangement. One employee’s methods may not apply to another. Employee preferences should be sought out.
Adjust as necessary. Your policy on reduced work schedules shouldn’t be rigidly enforced.Your policy on reduced work schedules shouldn’t be rigidly enforced. You’ll probably discover holes that need to be filled when your staff and management get into a routine. Ask for input from your staff on a regular basis, then put any suggestions into practise.
