Evaluating the 9/80 Work Schedule: A Fit for Your Business?

Most companies stick to the traditional 9 to 5 workday, but many are now exploring alternatives, one being the 9/80 work schedule. This setup involves longer hours spread across two weeks. In this article, we’ll explain what a 9/80 work schedule is and discuss its pros and cons.

A 9/80 work schedule includes eight nine-hour days, one eight-hour day, and one day off within a two-week period. Essentially, employees work 80 hours over nine days instead of the usual 10 days in a standard five-day workweek. This arrangement allows employees to have a full day off every other week. For payroll purposes, the first half of the eight-hour day counts toward the first week’s hours, and the second half counts toward the next week’s hours.

Imagine you work Monday to Friday, starting at 8 a.m. with a one-hour lunch break. A 9/80 schedule would have you working longer hours on weekdays to earn an extra day off every other Friday. Although the conventional 9 to 5 schedule is comfortable because it’s familiar, the 9/80 schedule offers notable benefits.

With fewer workdays and extra days off, employees gain more control over their schedules, boosting morale and productivity. Companies can also optimize resources by staggering days off; some employees could take Friday off while others might take Thursday. This way, organizations can use their resources effectively to meet goals.

Fewer commuting days reduce travel-related hassles and expenses. Companies can even combine the 9/80 schedule with remote work, allowing employees to work nine-hour days from home. However, it’s important to ensure that employees have the necessary infrastructure to work from home effectively.

Employees enjoy better work-life balance, saving time and travel costs, which leads to higher job satisfaction. Happy employees tend to be more productive, positively influencing the overall company culture. They also contribute to better customer satisfaction, as content employees usually offer better service compared to those who are stressed or frustrated.

However, there are potential drawbacks to consider. Implementing a 9/80 schedule may require adjustments to your leave policy, such as accounting for nine-hour sick days instead of the usual eight. Smaller businesses need to carefully manage team distribution to avoid staffing issues on crucial days.

Employees might find the longer work hours challenging initially, needing time to adjust their routines. This adjustment period can impact their daily commitments and make them skeptical of the new schedule. Additionally, there’s a risk of increased overtime; employees might start new tasks in the extra hour, potentially leading to higher overtime costs if it becomes frequent.

Overall, while the 9/80 work schedule offers significant benefits, careful planning and consideration are needed to address its challenges effectively.