Is 9/80 Work Schedule a Good Fit for Your Industry?

Key Takeaways

• The 9/80 schedule offers employees an extra day off every other week, improving work-life balance.
• This schedule can boost productivity by reducing stress and increasing focus on tasks.
• Flexible workdays help attract and retain talent, especially among younger generations.
• This schedule may not work for industries needing constant staffing, like retail, due to potential scheduling conflicts.

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What if you could give your employees a more extended weekend twice a month without cutting their working hours?

The 9/80 work schedule lets full-time employees work 80 hours in nine days over two weeks instead of the usual ten. This means they work nine hours on eight days, eight hours on one day, and get an extra day off every other week.

In this article, we’ll explore how the 9/80 schedule works, its benefits, potential downsides, and how to decide if it’s right for your small business. 

What is a 9/80 Work Schedule?

A 9/80 work schedule spreads 80 work hours across two weeks, typically by working eight 9-hour days, one 8-hour day, and one day off. 

This schedule can be adjusted to give employees a full day off every other week or a shorter workday every week. The main goal is to help employees balance work and life better while staying productive.

How Does a 9/80 Schedule Work?

A 9/80 schedule condenses the usual 80 hours worked in two weeks into nine days instead of ten. Employees get off every other Friday but still work the same hours.

If you’re thinking about implementing a 9/80 schedule, here's how HR management can lead the way:

• Be the communication leader: Make sure everyone understands the new schedule. Explain how it works, how payroll will handle it, and how employees benefit from extra time off.
• Help with scheduling: Assist managers and employees in adjusting their workloads, ensuring proper coverage when they take extra days off. It’s like solving a scheduling puzzle: happy employees are the reward!
• Support productivity: Offer advice on staying focused and managing energy during those longer 9-hour workdays.

Sample 9/80 Work Schedule

Here’s an example of a 9/80 work schedule:

First Week

• Monday: 7:00 AM - 12:00 PM and 1:00 PM - 5:00 PM (9 hours total, with an unpaid lunch break)
• Tuesday: Same as Monday
• Wednesday: Same as Monday
• Thursday: Same as Monday (total of 36 hours for the week)
• Friday: 8:00 AM - 12:00 PM (first weekends) + 1:00 PM - 5:00 PM (second week starts)
• Saturday: Off
• Sunday: Off

Second Week

• Monday: 7:00 AM - 12:00 PM and 1:00 PM - 5:00 PM (9 hours total, with an unpaid lunch break)
• Tuesday: Same as Monday
• Wednesday: Same as Monday
• Thursday: Same as Monday (total of 40 hours, including the four hours worked the previous Friday)
• Friday: Off
• Saturday: Off
• Sunday: Off

Pros and Cons of 9/80 Schedule

Many employers believe flex scheduling won't work for their enterprises. However, the 9/80 work model offers many perks and cons to employees and hybrid businesses.

Pros of a 9/80 Work Schedule

Here are the pros of the 9/80 work schedule:

1. Improved Work-Life Balance

With the 9/80 schedule, employees enjoy an extra day off every other week, leading to 26 three-day weekends each year. This time off allows for better relaxation, personal time, and reduced burnout, as employees have more opportunities to recharge.

2. Increased Employee Productivity

The schedule’s extra day off helps employees work more efficiently and organize their tasks better. Studies show that flexibility in job schedules can reduce stress and lead to a 25% decrease in mental distress. 

Do you want to manage your organization's time better and boost long-term productivity? Use Paismo’s timesheet software, which will provide you with mobile time tracking and efficient attendance management of your employees.

3. Higher Recruitment and Retention

A flexible schedule is a strong benefit for attracting and keeping talent, especially among younger generations. Many employees prefer flexible scheduling, making it a valuable tool for businesses looking to be competitive regarding employee benefits.

4. Greater Flexibility and Trust

The 9/80 schedule provides a balance of structure for the employer and employee flexibility. This enables them to manage personal commitments, like picking up children while showing trust and responsibility in managing their schedules.

5. Reduced Commutes

By having an extra day off, employees save on commuting time, reducing stress and transportation costs. Additionally, working longer days allows them to avoid peak commute times, which can improve overall job satisfaction.

Cons of a 9/80 Work Schedule

The following are the cons of the 9/80 work schedule:

1. Longer Workdays

While the 9/80 schedule can be appealing to some, longer workdays may be tiring for others. Some employees may struggle with the nine-hour workday, leading to burnout or decreased morale. It’s important to assess staff sentiment before implementing the schedule to ensure it works for everyone.

2. Poor Shift Coverage

Industries requiring constant staffing, like retail, may face challenges ensuring adequate coverage with the 9/80 schedule. Scheduling conflicts can arise if employees need the same days off, causing staff shortages or affecting business operations.

3. Payroll and Overtime Issues

The 9/80 schedule can complicate payroll checks, particularly for hourly employees. With 44 hours in the first week, there’s a risk of triggering overtime pay. Careful planning is required to avoid unnecessary overtime and ensure compliance with labor laws. 

Read more about managing your employee pay in our biweekly pay guide.

4. Paid Time Off (PTO) Adjustments

PTO policies need to be revised for employees on the 9/80 schedule. If a vacation day falls on a nine-hour day, it may result in employees losing more work hours than on a standard eight-hour day. Companies will need to adjust their PTO tracking system to accommodate these differences.

With Paismo’s leave management and timesheet tool, you can effectively manage your employee's vacations and pay off in a few clicks. 

5. Unavailable Customers and Business Partners

While the 9/80 schedule benefits employees, it could cause inconvenience for customers and partners who expect availability during regular business hours. Depending on the industry, fixed days off might lead to reduced efficiency or lost revenue if clients seek services elsewhere when the company is closed.

Summary

Knowing the 9/80 work schedule can help you improve your work-life balance, boost performance management, and attract talent. However, it’s not for everyone and careful planning is needed to avoid issues like longer workdays, payroll challenges, and shift coverage gaps. If implemented correctly, it can help employees feel more rested and motivated.

FAQ

What is a 9/80 Work Schedule?

In a 9/80 work schedule, employees work 80 hours over two weeks, compressed into nine days instead of the traditional ten. This involves working eight nine-hour days and one eight-hour day, resulting in an extra day off every other week.

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