Understanding the Compressed Workweek

What is a compressed workweek? Why is there so much buzz around a four-day workweek? The traditional 9-to-5, five-days-a-week work schedule is no longer the norm . Many companies now offer flexible working arrangements, such as compressed workweeks, to attract and retain talent. A compressed or short work week allows employees to work longer hours in fewer days, offering benefits and drawbacks. In this blog, we will discuss a compressed work week, the pros and cons of a compressed work week, and explore what professions work and don’t work with compressed work weeks.

Business News Daily defines a compressed workweek as a schedule where “employees maintain full-time working hours in a fewer number of days.”. That is often why a compressed work week is referred to as a short work week. There are several different types of compressed work weeks that organizations may consider, including:

1. Four day, 10-hour workdays: Employees work four 10-hour workdays per week, with three days off. This compressed work week is a popular option for many organizations, as it maintains a full-time schedule while allowing employees more time for personal pursuits.
2. Three day, 12-hour workdays: Similar to the four 10-hour workday schedules, in this arrangement, employees work three 12-hour workdays per week, with four days off.
3. Flexible workweek: In this arrangement, employees are allowed to work longer hours during some days and shorter hours during others, with the total number of hours, worked remaining the same. For example, an employee might work four nine-hour days and one four-hour day.
4. Rotating shifts: In this arrangement, employees work longer shifts for several consecutive days, followed by several days off. For example, an employee might work four 12-hour shifts followed by four days off.
5. Five shorter workdays: This arrangement maintains the traditional five-day workweek but with shorter workdays. For example, employees may work six hours per day, 30 hours per week.

Additionally, compressed workweeks may allow other flexible work options to meet the required weekly hours. For instance, some companies may allow their employees to work a hybrid schedule, with part of the work completed at home.

The type of compressed work week that is most appropriate for a particular organization will depend on the nature of the work being performed, the needs and preferences of employees, and other factors such as customer or client demands. There are some professions that are better suited than others for compressed workweeks. Organizations should carefully consider how to maximize the benefits of compressed work week and what strategies they should to be successful for each option before implementing a compressed workweek schedule and take appropriate steps to minimize the negative impact of short workweeks.