9/80 Work Schedule & its Pros and Cons

Are you getting bored with the firm’s 9-5 job schedule? So, don’t worry. Few companies offer a 9/80 work schedule, which is quite beneficial for employees and firms. This schedule involves two guaranteed days off every month, yet it has a longer workday. The standard schedule creates a balance between work life that makes greater engagement, loyalty, and productivity. As things get done, and employees get off most of the time to do other activities.

According to Microsoft Japan, four day work week boost 40% the efficiency of employees. Moreover, this method turns to customer satisfaction also. Since employees want the litheness to run everyday jobs and spend more time with family, it is important to note the workweek for your payroll then no misunderstanding occurs while clearing the pay bills.

So, let’s move to the next section for further details regarding the standard work schedule along with its merits and demerits for the employees.

Table of Contents

What is a 9/80 Work Schedule?

A 9/80 schedule is a compressed two-week timetable that divides 80 working days into eight 9-hour days, one 8-hour day, and one day off in 2 week periods. These hours are arranged in this way, so that employees get a full day off every other week or 4-hour days every week, which makes employees more productive.

Sample of 9/80 Workweek

Here is a detailed example of the 9/80 schedule to make it understand easily:

FIRST WEEK: 9 + 9 + 9 + 9+8 = 44 hours worked

Monday: 9 hours(4 hours+ 1-hour lunch break+4 hours)
Tuesday: 9 hours(4 hours+ 1-hour lunch break+4 hours)
Wednesday: 9 hours(4 hours+ 1-hour lunch break+4 hours)
Thursday: 9 hours(4 hours+ 1-hour lunch break+4 hours)
Friday: 4 hours (first weekends) +1 hour lunch break + 4 hours (second week starts)
Saturday: Off
Sunday: Off

SECOND WEEK: 9 + 9 + 9 + 9 = 36 hours worked

Monday: 9 hours(4 hours+ 1 hour lunch break+4 hours)
Tuesday: 9 hours(4 hours+ 1 hour lunch break+4 hours)
Wednesday: 9 hours(4 hours+ 1 hour lunch break+4 hours)
Thursday: 9 hours(4 hours+ 1 hour lunch break+4 hours)
Friday: OFF
Saturday: Off
Sunday: Off

Total: 80 hours worked

How does this Schedule Work?

In this classic arrangement of 9/80, employees work four 9- hour days, followed by an 8- hour workday on Friday that is split into two 4-hour periods. The first 4-hour phase ends the first workweek, and the next 4-hour phase begins the following workweek. Then, an employee works four more 9-hour days in the second workweek and gets one day off.

Pros of 9/80 Work Schedule

Because of its many advantages, many employers launch a 9/80 schedule. As compared to enforcing a typical 9-5 workday, employers have the chance to try something new. The following lists outline some of the many advantages, including a new 9/80 schedule:

Increased productivity
Flexibility
Easier commutes
Work-life balance

1: Increased Productivity

Employees see the extra day off as a well-earned incentive. During the week, it may encourage them to work even harder to achieve it. The extended weekend can improve self-esteem, giving employees a more optimistic attitude toward their duties. Employers may also make a few vacation requests and sick days with this schedule.

2: A Flexible 9/80 Work Schedule

Another area in which employers feel concerned is the potential loss in exposure. Let’s take an example; an employer feels she cannot afford to allow an extra day off due to the nature of her business. As an alternative, she gives half the team Friday off, and the other gets Monday off. Allowing every employee to get the three days off, she splits the day off incentive between two team members while the business remains open throughout the week. According to employers, the day off means less productivity.

3: Easier Commutes

Employers who cover long-distance commuters use this schedule as an additional incentive. This schedule is beneficial for those commuters to avoid wastage of time due to heavy traffic. In this manner, they can work much faster by avoiding the physical endorsed of commuting.

4: Work-Life Balance

Because of the above-listed advantages, employees can have an outstanding balance between work and their personal lives with this schedule. Guarantee two days off per month for employers, allowing employees to use that time for vacations, doctor’s appointments, or even rest.

Cons of 9/80 Work Schedule

It seems that for all employers or industries, 9/80 schedules may not work. Some other scenarios or unique requirements prevent employers from reaping the usual benefits of this schedule. Disadvantages of the following lists include a 9/80 schedule is described below:

Extensive workday
Abuse and overtime
Less coverage for small businesses
Decreased productivity during the additional hour

1. Extensive Workday

Several employees make every effort with an extra hour each day, even with the benefit of a day off. An extra hour may create more stress and take a bigger toll on employees, depending on the working environment.

2. Abuse and Overtime

Employers may have trouble in managing the work by holding an additional hour. A few employees benefit from this system due to this overtime pay cuts into the bottom line.

3. 9/80 Work Schedule-Less Coverage for Small Businesses

Hence, small firms may have difficulty with the 9/80 schedule with few employees. Maybe, there are not enough employees to split the day off and increase the exposure. Employers may have sufficient employees in other situations to split them into two teams. But not as much necessary for each team to handle the work all over the shifts.

4. Decreased Productivity during the Additional Hour

It depends on how employers change their hours. Few employees work harder in the morning while other works in the evening. Firms also observe the performance of employees during an additional hour. In addition, few employees may need time to adjust if an employer works with an extra hour. They have completed all personal obligations much earlier than usual, which may balance their sleeping and habits.

In Conclusion

A 9/80 work schedule is relatively feasible and appropriate to make progress for the companies but not suitable for all types of business. This schedule makes the employees more satisfied and productive. I hope so; the above knowledge about this work schedule is advantageous for you and the firms that make this strategy. Let’s share your views in the comment section about this article.