What is a Compressed Work Week?

9/80 Work Schedule

A 9/80 work schedule means that employees work for nine days instead of 10 days over two weeks - maintaining an average of 40 hours per week.

An example of this pattern would be:

3/12 Schedule:

Employees work three 12-hour days, totalling 36 hours per week. This type of schedule is often seen in healthcare settings, especially among nurses.

An example of this pattern would be:

5/4/9 Schedule:

This is another name for the 9/80 above: five days one week, four the next. Employees work eight 9-hour days and one 8-hour day over a two-week period, getting every other Friday off.

3/13 Schedule:

Some employers run three 13-hour shifts a week (39 hours). It is not a standard schedule.

An example of this pattern would be:

2/2/3 or the "Pitman Schedule":

Often used in industries that require 24/7 operations, such as emergency services or power plants. Employees will work two days, have two days off, work three days, have two days off, work two days, then have three days off. Each shift is typically 12 hours. Over a two-week cycle, they work a total of 7 days out of 14 (84 hours on 12-hour shifts).

An example of this pattern would be:

Team A's two weeks are shown. The pattern repeats every 14 days, and the other crews cover the remaining days and nights.

2 Weeks On, 2 Weeks Off

One of the more unique work schedules that has emerged, especially in sectors that demand extended periods of intense work, or offshore travel (e.g. Oil and Gas), is the "2 weeks on, 2 weeks off" arrangement. This schedule is precisely what it sounds like: employees work intensively for two consecutive weeks and then enjoy two full weeks off.

Compressed Work Week Advantages

Working on a compressed workweek has many advantages. These include:

• Employees work the same hours in fewer days
• Employees work fewer days for the same amount of pay
• It can help an employee achieve a better work-life balance
• Less days worked = less commute time
• Fewer commuting days can cut driving and emissions, though some of the saving is offset by errands on the day off
• More flexibility when booking appointments and running errands
• The ability to have longer vacations (e.g. 4 day weekend break)
• May help staff retention by giving employees more flexibility (employers report this)

A compressed workweek can work well if it is managed carefully. With the schedule, you may have more time to spend with your family and friends. The company can benefit from higher satisfaction and morale; research does not show a reliable productivity gain from compressing the week.

Managers need to plan cover for the off days, including when someone takes vacation, sick leave or a personal day. For example, an employee on a 4/10 who takes a Monday off gets a four-day weekend, but the team has to cover that Monday.

Disadvantages of a Compressed Work Week

Just like any other working schedule, a compressed workweek has its cons. These include:

• Working longer hours in a given day can increase the risk of burnout
• Output and alertness can fall late in a long day
• There is less flexibility in booking meetings e.g. only 4 days of availability
• The risk of injury or error may increase during a longer work day
• Time schedule differences means there is less overlap between colleagues i.e. less supervision
• Working a longer day may make childcare drop-offs & pickups problematic

How to Handle Vacations in a Compressed Work Week?

A common reason employees ask for a compressed workweek is to have more days away from work. The time out can be used for vacations and family trips. If an employee requests a compressed workweek, the manager should consider giving it to them as long as they can handle their responsibilities without affecting overall productivity.

If you want to take a four-day vacation, consider working from Monday to Thursday on a 4/10 schedule, then Tuesday to Friday on the following week. Often 3 days isn't long enough for a weekend break; a compressed work week makes it easier to take vacations.

How to Ask for a Compressed 4/10 Work Week?

If you think that a compressed schedule is something you can manage in your professional life, it's best to discuss this arrangement with your line manager. If they agree with your proposal for a compressed schedule arrangement, you may then have to ensure that it's communicated to the human resources department i.e. to include it on your contract and inform other employees of it.

When requesting this arrangement, let the manager or administration understand:

• Why you want to switch to a compressed working schedule
• Which days you'd want to work
• The advantages the schedule will bring (for both you and the company)
• How you'll ensure your schedule doesn't conflict with other employees' work

It is sensible to propose the arrangement on a trial basis. Either side can usually ask to end it, so check your contract.

4/10 Schedule Request Email Template

Here is an example email you could send to your boss to ask for compressed hours:

Hi [Name of your manager],

I was wondering if you would be open to me changing my contract to compressed hours? e.g. working 40 hours over 4 days instead of 5

The extra flexibility would really improve my work-life balance and general happiness working at [Company Name]. I can assure you this change wouldn't affect my output or productivity; in fact I see it having a positive effect as I'll be better rested after a longer weekend.

If you are open to this, I can be flexible - as and when the company needs me e.g. switching my days from week to week if there are meetings I need to attend on a particular day

I'd really appreciate it if you would be open to discussing this, so please let me know what you think - or if it's easier we could have on a call?

Many thanks, [Your Name]

In any follow up with your manager, you should propose what you would do to make the plan successful e.g.

• Stick to the same off days as much as possible. Re-state that you are happy to rotate your working days week to week however, if there are meetings you must attend
• Choose days that don't inconvenience other employees.
• Block out your calendar on your off days to make other employees realize you're not available.
• Set boundaries, and don't be tempted to work on your off day.

Shorter Work Week Schedules

In contrast to a compressed workweek, which keeps a full-time number of hours, some companies offer a shorter workweek.

These companies offer different types of reduced hours working schedules, such as:

• 4 day week (32hrs @ 100% salary)
• 4.5 day week (half day Fridays)
• Fridays off in summer
• 4 day week every other week
• 4 day week at 80% salary
• 5 day week with 30+ days paid time off

If you are especially unhappy in your job, you could also ask your manager whether you would be open to dropping your hours (e.g. to 32 hours over 4 days).

Or if you are on the job market, check out our job board for jobs with a 4 day work week.