We all are well aware of the standard 9 to 5 work schedule. Most of us work hard 8 hours a day for five days a week to earn a relaxing weekend. This cycle has been a part of our work systems for a while now. It is hard to imagine a supersede of the same.

There is an alternate working system that is now gaining attention. This new grist of the gossip mill is known as the 9/80 work schedule. Let us get deeper into it.

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What Exactly Is The 9/80 Work Schedule?

The new 9/80 work schedule comprises eight 9-hour workdays, one 8-hour day, and one day off in 2 weeks.

According to the arrangement, an employee will work four 9-hour days, followed by working an 8-hour day divided by a break into two 4-hour sessions. Now, these two 4-hour sessions are significant. The first workweek ends with the first 4-hour session, and the next workweek commences with the start of the second 4-hour session. Subsequently, the employee will then work for four more 9-hour days in the second workweek before getting a leave for an entire day.

The arrangement seems to be a little complicated and hard to register at once. But it is not at all difficult if you keep in mind a simple point; the first workweek ends midday on the first Friday, and the second workweek begins post midday on the same day. Therefore, both the workweeks will consist of 40 hours, and there won’t be room for overtime wages. The numbers ‘9/80’ signify that employees will be working for 80 hours in 9 days (9 days/80 hours).

Now that you know what the trendy 9/80 work schedule is all about. You might be curious to know why everyone is keen on switching on to this new flexible work schedule.

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Why Switch To The New 9/80 Work Schedule?

The 9/80 work schedule is gaining popularity because of its numerous benefits to management and the employees. This arrangement is also known as a flexible work schedule. This arrangement is also known as a flexible work schedule. The U.S. Department of Labour (DOL) has also issued its take on this latest flexible work schedule. Here is why you should shift from the old 9 to 5 work system to the newest flexible work schedule:

1. Offers More Flexibility

The 9/80 work arrangement offers flexibility to the company in remaining open to working five days a week as per convenience. If not Friday, you can choose to keep Monday off for some employees.

2. Maintain Work-Life Balance

Workers will have two long weekends in a month. It will give them additional time to maintain their work-life balance. On the other side for the company, it would mean fewer demands for extra leaves.

3. Increases Productivity

Since your employees will be well-rested and have control over their schedule, their motivation to work effectively will boost. They will have enough time to get done with their work, and they won’t feel stressed or overworked. As a consequence, productivity will automatically increase. It would also boost their morale.

4. Attraction For Potential Employees

Companies offering a 9/80 work schedule while recruiting are more likely to be preferred by potential job applicants. This work arrangement allows new employees to gain control over their tasks right from the beginning. Hence, showcasing your adoption of the 9/80 work schedule can improve your recruiting chances.

5. Effective Work Completion

Thanks to 9-hour workdays, employees are likely to complete their tasks timely. That additional one hour will allow them to effectively get done with the work they started on the same day itself. This way, they will have less on their plate for the next day.

Not-So-Flexible Schedule: Drawbacks of 9/80 Work Schedule

As they say, nothing is perfect. This new flexible work schedule may not be flexible enough for every organization. The arrangement comes with its share of challenges that can hold you back from giving in to its temptations. Following are a few of such difficulties:

1. Difficulty In Time Tracking

For some of you, this entire 9/80 work structure can be a managerial nightmare. Employees may at times demand changes in their regular leave pattern. Keeping track of every employee’s working days and making sure everything remains in sync may force you to appoint a full-time tracking manager.

2. Timing Concerns

A 9-hour workday will be challenging to implement as employees will either show up earlier or stay longer than usual. It may mess up the work schedule and will conflict with their commitments.

3. Longer Workday

An additional one hour means a longer workday. It can sometimes frustrate the employees for not spending sufficient time at their homes. They may frequently demand to leave early because of their other commitments.

4. Lack of Focus/Engagement

Long workdays could make workers less motivated, as they may lose enthusiasm and energy to work efficiently by the end of the day. It can directly impact their performance, the quality of work done by them could deteriorate.

5. Not Suitable For Small-Scale Companies

Smaller businesses will not have enough employees to divide them on Mondays and Fridays. Therefore, they will not be able to operate five days a week.

Conclusion

Actor John Cleese rightly stated, ‘If you want creative employees, give them enough time to play.’

9/80 work arrangement is a thoughtful alternative to the old 9 to 5 work system. Many businesses are adopting the new flexible arrangement. But each organization is unique and may require a different approach to function efficiently. Whichever work schedule you choose to employ for your company, research its positives and negatives first. You can discuss with your team of employees and ask what suits them the best. To boost productivity and creativity, do not over-burden your employees and give them their sweet little time to rejuvenate and relax.