(650) 332-8623The 9/80 Work Schedule: Key Questions Answered
In this article, we’ll cover what is a 9/80 work schedule, why it might be a good idea for your business as well as some drawbacks to be aware of.
Fulfilling work responsibilities and having personal time can feel like an endless juggling act. But what if there’s an easier way to find that balance?
Enter the 9/80 work schedule—a unique approach to structuring the traditional 40-hour workweek in exchange for a three-day weekend every other week.
As it gains popularity among companies and employees, is it really as good as it sounds? Let’s answer all your burning questions about how this schedule works and its potential benefits and challenges.
What is a 9/80 Work Schedule?
The 9/80 work schedule is based on a two-week period during which employees work a compressed schedule while still getting additional time off.
The plan for 9/80 is based on the simple premise that workers have two weeks to work the full 80 hours, but the workload is divided.
- In the first week, the employees would work four nine-hour days and then have one 8-hour day.
- In the second week, the employees would work again for four days for nine hours and then have a three-day weekend.
One thing you need to remember is that most employers insist on a break during the eight-hour day in the first week when the work week officially ends and the second begins. This way, the week has 40 hours of labor, and thus, it’s not causing a problem for overtime pay.
The compressed workweek has shown some amazing results in employee satisfaction, talent retention, and improved productivity.
This compressed schedule is different from the regular 9 to 5 work week, and it’s an alternative work schedule similar to the 4/10 work schedule. In this unique arrangement, your employees can work on a bi-weekly schedule that enables them to have three-day weekends once per month.
It’s a great solution for many companies that need extended working hours and for some businesses where the employees appreciate the time off more than an additional payment.
But, the 9/80 work week comes with many pros and cons that you should consider before implementing the new schedule. It’s also a good idea to stay on top of all the payment calculations with time tracking software and ensure proper law enforcement regarding overtime pay and regulations.
What is an Example of a 9/80 Work Schedule?
Considering the 9/80 work schedule is still unfamiliar to some people, here is a simple overview of the work weeks on the traditional schedule and the compressed schedule.
The work day can begin later, but the 7 AM routine allows the workers to spend less time commuting, as they should avoid the morning rush hour.
Traditional 9-5 Schedule | 9/80 schedule FIRST WEEK | 9/80 schedule SECOND WEEK | |
Monday | 9 AM to 5 PM | 7 AM to 5 PM | 7 AM to 5 PM |
Tuesday | 9 AM to 5 PM | 7 AM to 5 PM | 7 AM to 5 PM |
Wednesday | 9 AM to 5 PM | 7 AM to 5 PM | 7 AM to 5 PM |
Thursday | 9 AM to 5 PM | 7 AM to 5 PM | 7 AM to 5 PM |
Friday | 9 AM to 5 PM | 7 AM to 12 PM + 12 PM to 4 PM | OFF |
Keep in mind that Fridays are not mandatory off days, but they have been shown to be one of the best solutions for tracking work days and ensuring proper workload coverage.
While it’s always a good idea to consult your employees before implementing any changes in the work schedule, it’s also wise to establish some general rules beforehand to avoid potential miscommunication in the future.
Because managing a compressed weekly schedule is more complex, many employers now rely on scheduling software to easily track hours worked, organize optimal schedules, and provide clear communication within the team.
Many researchers claim that depending on your team’s demographics, especially their age, you should consider implementing flexible work schedules. This way, you can accommodate more employees, allow them to reasonably choose when they work, and even boost productivity.
Pros and Cons of a 9/80 Schedule for Employees
The compressed work schedule might be a fantastic opportunity for many employees who want the additional time off and don’t mind the added hours each day.
Depending on your company and your line of work, there are a few pros and cons to consider for your employees that might help you make the decision about the compressed work schedule.
What are the Pros of Working a 9/80 Schedule?
Here are some of the most prominent reasons why so many employees enjoy the 9/80 work schedule:
Increased Satisfaction
Workers who can adjust their daily activities and personal commitments to the compressed schedule feel better at the workplace. The 9/80 shows promising results when it comes to reduced stress and better employee performance. The additional day off every other week can do wonders for the company morale, and many employees love the opportunity offered even if the salary is not competitive.
Improved Commuting
Changed working hours also influence the time spent commuting each day. Because the days are longer, workers can avoid rush hours to and from work, reducing the time spent in the traffic and the stress related to it.
Commuting is very stressful for many employees, so the opportunity to make the work week schedule flexible enough to avoid that added stress is usually very well received.
Better Work-Life Balance
At the end of the day, most employees are striving toward a better work-life balance, and this is one of the main reasons why so many of them appreciate the 9/80 schedule. This two-week pay period enables them to have more days off and enjoy their free time with family and friends.
What are the Cons of Working a 9/80 Schedule?
Even though many of your employees will appreciate the offer to switch to a compressed work schedule, there are some cons to consider. This list refers to potential problems your employees might encounter with the 9/80 schedule:
Exhaustion from the Extra Hours Daily
While younger generations might be able to withstand the added hours each day, certain employees and their physically demanding roles might be too exhausting to work nine-hour shifts.
This is one of the reasons so many employers choose to offer flexible work weeks, where all employees are accommodated. The only thing you need to consider is good scheduling software to support your business plan and make all the calculations and scheduling for you.
Less Free Time During the Week
Many workers will be motivated by the additional free day every other week, while others might feel stressed because of the reduced free time each day. This is especially true for workers with family obligations and busy personal schedules who value the time spent with family members every day.
Problematic Schedule for Some Employees
The same group of employees who have a problem with long hours each day might encounter additional problems with businesses that work on a traditional 9-to-5 schedule.
When we consider that many childcare services have strict working hours and can cost a lot, a compressed work schedule is not beneficial for all employees.
This is why it’s vital to have open communication and ensure all the employees are on board with the decision or simply offer a flexible schedule to accommodate them all.
Pros and Cons of 9/80 Schedules For Employers
The changed and compressed work schedule can have many benefits for you as the employer, but there are a few drawbacks to consider before making the final decision.
What are the Pros of Offering a 9/80 Work Schedule to Employees?
Increased Productivity
One of the most important factors that influence the decision-making process when it comes to employers and the compressed schedule is increased productivity. Employees feel better and rested when they have an additional day off, and the employee morale in the company boosts teamwork and, thus, productivity.
Talent Retention
In today’s competitive market, it’s hard to find and keep talented people on your team. Offering good compensation, vacation, and other perks is not enough, so many employers resort to compressed week schedules to attract and retain talent.
The three-day weekend is a very good opportunity for many employees to create optimal work-life balance and plan ahead of time.
Flexibility
The compressed work schedule offers you as the employee a flexible work schedule each week. If you make and manage the schedule properly you can count on better workload coverage, better service response, and fewer sick or personal days off.
With a flexible 9/10 schedule, you can actually cover more days and more hours; all you need is good job scheduling software.
What are the Cons of Offering a 9/80 Work Schedule to Employees?
Most employers love to hear about increased productivity and employee retention, but there are some cons you need to know about in order to make the best decision for your company.
Not Suitable for All Businesses
A 9/80 work schedule is not the best solution for all businesses, especially smaller companies that rely on fewer employees to get the job done. In some cases, there is a coverage problem and staff shortage, so you might have to create a schedule that works for you.
It’s a good idea to divide the workers into at least two groups and give them days off on different days of the week. So, for example, one group would get Fridays off while the other is free on Mondays. This way, you will cover all the workdays and still implement the new schedule.
Or try alternative work schedules, such as the 4/10 or four-day workweek, in which employees work for 10 hours each day and then have an extra day off each week.
Less Productivity in the Additional Hours
While it’s true that productivity has the tendency to increase with alternative work schedules, keep in mind that an extra hour each day might not be the best option for everyone.
Demanding roles where employees need to stand for a long time might be too tired to perform by the end of the day. As a business owner, you decide what schedules work best for your employees and try alternative arrangements.
Incompatible Work Schedule with Other Business Partners
Most businesses run on the traditional 9 to 5 schedule and work every day of the week, so you might have problems with communication and collaboration with your partners. It’s not easy to adjust your employees to the new schedule, and it can be even harder to sync everything with your business partners. You can overcome the issue with careful planning each week, open communication, and proper workload coverage.
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Using Technology to Implement a 9/80 Work Schedule
If you want your new schedule to be a success it’s important to consider how you are going to track employee hours. With the nine-hour day, two-week periods, and one eight-hour day you need a fixed schedule and an easy way to track hours worked.
To get the best results from the 9/80 work schedule, you need to consider open communication with your employees.
It’s important to keep your employees in the loop and have a meeting about the eight nine-hour days. This way, you can see if the majority of your employees approve of such a schedule or if you should stick to the traditional eight-hour day.
It’s also a good opportunity to define the time for a lunch break, set core office hours for the entire organization, and discuss shift coverage. Switching to longer workdays will be an adjustment, so it is vital to give employees enough time to get used to the two-week schedule.
One of the best ways to manage working hours is with employee scheduling software. The technology used will help you create optimal working hours, ensure you are following the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA), and run payroll smoothly.
With the scheduling app, you can communicate fast and efficiently with your employees and allow them to have a better insight into the work schedule ahead.
Organizing the 9/80 Work Schedule with Time Tracking Software
The 9/80 work schedule might be a great opportunity for your company to attract more talent, retain the employees who already work for you, and boost productivity. However, this schedule has a few downsides you need to consider before implementing it.
The most challenging part of the new work schedule might be proper scheduling and planning ahead of time, as well as maintaining a good workflow and pay role.
With the help of a job scheduling app, it’s easy to manage your team, create the best work schedule, and improve your communication with your employees.
So, if you are ready to test your schedule and try the compressed work week, you can rely on a scheduling app like Workyard to create the best plan and manage all the scheduling details for you.
The 9/80 work schedule can be problematic for hourly employees because, in some states, laws require overtime wages for each hour worked over 40 per week.
This is why it’s vital to create a schedule that divides the eight-hour day into two four-hour shifts. This way, the week ends with the first four hours, and the second week begins with the second four hours worked.
Keep in mind that there are exceptions for labor costs and tracking overtime hours worked if you are on an alternative schedule. So, consult with your lawyers and HR manager and check the local labor laws before implementing any changes.
This work schedule is based on a two-week period, and officially, there are 80 hours worked in a two-week period, thus 40 hours each week. This means the extra hour every day is not counted as overtime if you manage your schedule well.
That’s why it’s important to closely monitor and organize the eight-hour workday and ensure this is when the first week ends and the second week begins. This way, you will avoid potential 44-hour weeks and regulate the hours without paying extra for the overtime.
One of the most challenging things to manage in this type of schedule is sick leave, vacation, and holidays that fall on nine-hour days. If the employee uses the nine hours for sick days, vacation, or even if a holiday falls on that day, the time lost is longer than if this happens on eight-hour days.
That’s why most employers track vacation time as eight hours of labor and one hour of vacation time.
If the holiday falls on an off day, the employee can use eight hours off within the next 12 months from that day.
The 9/80 work schedule is particularly effective in several industries, especially those that benefit from flexible working arrangements and have tasks that can be managed independently. Here are the key sectors where this schedule tends to thrive:
Technology and Software Development
Software developers and IT professionals often work on projects that allow for focused, uninterrupted time. The flexibility of a 9/80 schedule can enhance productivity and creativity, as employees can dedicate longer hours to complex tasks without the disruption of a traditional workweek.
Consulting and Professional Services
Business consultants, accountants, and other professionals who manage client deadlines can effectively utilize the 9/80 schedule. The extra day off allows for better planning and project management while maintaining client service levels.
Creative Industries
Graphic designers, video editors, and similar roles benefit from extended periods of concentration. The 9/80 arrangement helps foster creativity and innovation by providing employees with longer blocks of time to focus on their work.
Education and Tutoring
Online tutors and educators can implement a 9/80 schedule, which allows them to manage their teaching responsibilities while enjoying more personal time. This flexibility can also improve student engagement.
Manufacturing and Construction
While traditionally more challenging due to continuous operational needs, some manufacturing and construction firms have successfully adopted the 9/80 schedule. This is particularly true for project-based work, where teams can coordinate schedules effectively to maintain productivity while benefiting from extended breaks.
Transitioning to a 9/80 work schedule can present several challenges for organizations. While this compressed work arrangement offers benefits such as improved work-life balance and increased employee satisfaction, it also requires careful planning and management to address potential issues.
Here are the primary challenges associated with implementing a 9/80 schedule:
Adaptation Period
Employees may need time to adjust to longer workdays, which can initially lead to fatigue and decreased productivity. Some individuals may struggle with the shift from a traditional 8-hour day to a 9-hour day, impacting their performance and morale during the transition period.
Scheduling Issues
Coordinating meetings and collaborative work can become complicated when team members have different days off. This can disrupt workflows and make it challenging to maintain effective communication within teams.
Impact on Team Coordination
With employees potentially off on different days, managers may face difficulties in ensuring team cohesion and collaboration. Additional planning may be required to maintain coordination and communication among team members.
Risk of Burnout
Extended workdays can increase the risk of burnout, particularly in physically demanding roles or high-pressure environments. If not managed properly, longer hours might lead to fatigue and reduced job satisfaction over time.
Potential Coverage Gaps
For industries requiring continuous coverage (e.g., customer service), implementing a 9/80 schedule can create gaps in availability. Organizations may need to hire additional staff or adjust shifts to maintain service levels.
Employee Resistance
Not all employees may be in favor of switching to a 9/80 schedule. Resistance from staff can lead to lower engagement levels and higher turnover if the change is implemented without sufficient buy-in from employees.
Payroll Complexity
Managing payroll under a non-standard schedule can be challenging, especially regarding overtime calculations and leave management. Organizations must ensure accurate tracking of hours worked to comply with labor laws while avoiding unintended overtime costs.
Policy Adjustments
Existing policies related to sick leave, vacation time, and other benefits may need reevaluation and adjustment to align with the new schedule structure. This includes determining how time off is accrued based on longer workdays.
Maintaining Workload Consistency
Balancing workloads across different weeks can be difficult, as employees will have varying hour commitments each week (i.e., 36 hours one week and 44 hours the next). This inconsistency may require adjustments in task distribution and resource allocation.
Communication Challenges
The potential for decreased accessibility on employees’ days off can hinder communication with clients and business partners who operate on traditional schedules, possibly leading to delays in response times and impacting customer service quality.
