9/80 Work Schedule | Increase Work Productivity
If you run your own business, or prefer more flexible working arrangements, you may have heard of the 9/80 work schedule. What does the 9/80 work schedule mean and how does it work?
Let’s explore this topic in detail.
What is a 9/80 Work Schedule? Flexible Work Arrangement
To define a 9/80 work schedule simply–it’s a 2-week schedule that divides 80 hours into 9 days of work, hence “9/80”. A typical work week is 40 hours a week, or 80 hours in 2 weeks, divided over 10 days. In the 9/80 work schedule, those same 80 hours over 2 weeks are divided into 9 days instead and this structure offers the ability to create more flexible arrangements between employers and employees.
The most apparent benefit is that employees can get 1 day completely off in every 2-week work period, while working the same total hours.
How does a 9/80 Work Schedule Work? An Extra Off Day
The typical 9/80 work schedule is:
Week 1:
4 days of 9-hour work days, then
1 day of 8-hour work day
Week 2:
4 days of 9-hour work days, then
1 day completely off, 0 hours worked
| Week 1 | Week 2 | |
|---|---|---|
| Day of the Week | Hours | Hours |
| Monday | 9 hours (9 am - 6 pm, for example) |
9 hours (9 am - 6 pm, for example) |
| Tuesday | 9 hours (9 am - 6 pm, for example) |
9 hours (9 am - 6 pm, for example) |
| Wednesday | 9 hours (9 am - 6 pm, for example) |
9 hours (9 am - 6 pm, for example) |
| Thursday | 9 hours (9 am - 6 pm, for example) |
9 hours (9 am - 6 pm, for example) |
| Friday | 8 hours (9 am - 5 pm, for example) |
None |
| Saturday | None | None |
| Sunday | None | None |
9/80 Work Schedule Example:
This is just one of many methods to implement the 9/80 work schedule. Some employers may have drastically different hours, like starting the day at 8 am, or 6 am. In the end, most 9/80 work schedules will follow the general structure of 4 x 9 hours days + 1 x 8 hours days in the first week, then 4 x 9 hour days in the second week.
Why Consider a Different Work Schedule?
Different work schedules can bring life to a business. The best work schedules empower employees to do less with more. Just because there are more hours worked, doesn’t always mean increased productivity and even more importantly–the retention of talent.
A different work schedule is not always the answer, but the 9/80 work schedule can provide, for some, a gain with no trade offs. In fact, the US Department of Labor has conducted extensive research on flexible work schedules.
The Advantages of a 9/80 Work Schedule
Employees feel more motivated and employers have increased productivity
Because the 9/80 work schedule allows an employee to “earn” a day off every 2 weeks, it may lead to increased productivity and motivation. There’s something to work towards every 2 weeks.
Employers may experience fewer unpredicted coverage shortages
Because employees have a day off every 2 weeks, employers may see fewer sick days or unpredicted days off since employees may use that extra day for appointments and errands.
Employees have increased flexibility and work life balance
For employees, the 9/80 work schedule can add flexibility into schedules. Since an employee would have a 3-day weekend every 2 weeks, it can offer more vacation opportunities, or just time to relax.
Employees have improved commuting times
Due to hours shifting slightly, employees can avoid peak commute traffic and also avoid one day altogether every 2 weeks. This can add up to an overall improved health.
The Disadvantages of a 9/80 Work Schedule
Increased fatigue and stretched workdays
While the 9/80 work schedule CAN improve productivity and motivation, it’s a bit of a double edged sword. Since most work days are 1 hour longer, it’s possible that employees get burned out and productivity decreases. The effectiveness of the 9/80 schedule can definitely depend on the employer and employee and the relationship.
Payroll complications for employer
For smaller businesses, or businesses without established payroll operations, the 9/80 work schedule can be a bit more difficult to manage. Since work weeks can be divided somewhat unevenly and not always in the same way. For example, the two work weeks are divided into one week with 44 hours worked, and a second week with 36 hours worked. That means payroll has to process different payroll amounts and hours worked for each pay period.
Week 1: 9 hours x 4 days + 8 hours x 1 day = 44 hours
Week 2: 9 hours x 4 days = 36 hours
Total: 80 hours
Increased complexity in time-off requests
Due to having one day off every 2 weeks, time-off requests can be increasingly difficult to manage as an employer. For example, employees may want to take more time off in tandem with their usual day off–however if many employees do the same, then coverage could become an issue.
What Businesses Can Use a 9/80 Work Schedule?
The short answer is it depends. Not all businesses will be well-suited for a 9/80 work schedule. For example, if you run a very streamlined business where accuracy and consistency is extra important, like manufacturing or a production line, then having a 9/80 work schedule may not work. In those scenarios, some employees may arrive and leave at different times than the request, and employees may not have the same day off altogether. This is detrimental to a production-based business, as these businesses may keep the line running and at maximum efficiency.
On the other hand, if you have a business that is service-oriented and depends mostly on the independent skillsets of individuals, a 9/80 schedule can work very well. For example, an agency that employs professionals who advise on services like design, software engineering, website building, etc.
Most importantly, a business needs to consider if a 9/80 work schedule is something employees even want. Some employees may not want to adopt an unconventional schedule and instead prefer a more orthodox structure and thrive under those conditions.
FAQs:
What does a 9/80 schedule mean?
A 9/80 schedule refers to a work schedule over 2 weeks where 80 hours of work is divided over 9 days, instead of the usual 10. This allows employees to have a day off every 2 weeks, typically on Fridays or Mondays while maintaining the same 80 hour 2-week periods.
How does a 9 80 schedule work overtime?
In a 9 80 schedule, hours worked past 40 hours before noon on Friday are considered overtime and those hours must be paid at 1.5x the usual rate.
Is a 9 80 schedule worth it?
A 9 80 schedule, when implemented effectively, can improve the work life balance of employees while increasing productivity for the employer. Having a flexible work calendar can offer benefits like fewer sick days and overall improved employer-employee relationships. It’s worth noting that a 9 80 schedule may not work for all business types or individuals.
