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Highlights

1. A 9/80 schedule offers 80 work hours across nine days, with an extra day off every other week.
2. Employees work eight nine-hour days and one eight-hour day in two weeks.
3. Benefits of this schedule include improved work-life balance, fewer interruptions, and increased productivity.
4. Challenges of the 9/80 schedule include managing overtime, inconsistent schedules, and frequent day-off changes.

Most people know the standard 9-to-5, 40-hour workweek. However, flexible work schedules are becoming more common. A 2023 SHRM study found that 67% of employers offered flexible work options.

One popular option is the 9/80 work schedule. But is it the right fit for your business? In this article, we’ll explain what a 9/80 schedule is, how it works, and its pros and cons for your company.

What Is a 9/80 Work Schedule?

A 9/80 work schedule is a two-week arrangement where employees work 80 hours across nine days instead of the typical 10. This schedule includes eight nine-hour workdays, one eight-hour workday, and an extra day off, providing an extended weekend every other week. The name "9/80" reflects the nine working days and 80 hours worked.

A 9/80 work schedule splits 80 working hours over nine days in two weeks. Employees can either take a day off every other week or work four hours each week. The aim is to boost productivity, improve engagement, and improve employees' work-life balance.

How Does a 9/80 Work Schedule Work?

In a 9/80 setup, employees work eight nine-hour days and one eight-hour day over two weeks to earn a day off. A typical week includes four nine-hour days and one eight-hour day, divided into two four-hour blocks.

The first four hours of the eight-hour day mark the end of the first week, while the second four hours start the next week. For payroll, these four-hour blocks are split between the two weeks.

9/80 Work Schedule Example

Here’s how a 9/80 schedule might look:

Week 1

1. Monday to Thursday: 8 a.m. to noon, 1-hour lunch, 1 p.m. to 6 p.m.
2. Friday: 8 a.m. to noon, 1-hour lunch, 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. (second week starts after lunch)
3. Saturday and Sunday: Off

Week 2

1. Monday: 8 a.m. to noon, 1-hour lunch, 1 p.m. to 5 p.m.
2. Tuesday to Thursday: 8 a.m. to noon, 1-hour lunch, 1 p.m. to 6 p.m.
3. Friday: Day off

Some employers adjust start and end times, such as 7 a.m. to 5 p.m., but as long as there are four nine-hour days and one eight-hour day, it follows the 9/80 structure.

This flexible schedule helps companies provide an extra day off without reducing overall working hours.

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What Are the Benefits of a 9/80 Work Schedule?

A 9/80 work schedule may seem like it only benefits employees. However, when you dig deeper, you’ll find that it also brings significant business advantages. Let’s explore the key benefits:

1) Improved Work-Life Balance

Employees gain two extra days off each month, giving them more time to handle personal tasks, attend appointments, or spend quality time with family and friends. For businesses, this can result in fewer sick days, fewer last-minute absences, and fewer time-off requests.

2) Fewer Interruptions

With extra time to handle personal commitments on their days off, employees are less likely to disrupt work to manage their errands. This boosts their engagement and enhances overall business productivity.

3) Reduced Commuting

Two extra days off means less time spent in traffic, fewer gas expenses, and reduced wear and tear on employees' vehicles. This benefit also contributes to better employee satisfaction.

4) Enhanced Task Completion

The additional hour of work each day allows employees to finish more tasks without needing to push them into the next day. This ensures better efficiency and reduces the risk of projects falling behind.

5) Better Rest

Extra days off give employees more time to recharge and recover from their workweek. As a result, they return feeling refreshed and more prepared for the tasks ahead.

6) Increased Productivity

Combining better rest and a flexible schedule makes employees feel more energized. This leads to higher productivity levels not only for specific tasks but also for overall performance. Moreover, reduced stress over the long term may result in employees needing less vacation time or sick time.

7) Attractive for Recruitment

Offering a 9/80 schedule makes your business stand out to potential hires. In today’s competitive job market, employees seek more flexibility and work-life balance. By providing this schedule from day one, you create an appealing incentive that can significantly improve your ability to attract top talent.

8) Greater Flexibility for Business Operations

Managers might worry about covering shifts on employees’ days off, but a 9/80 schedule allows creative solutions. For example, you can split your team in half, taking Fridays off and the other half taking Mondays. This ensures everyone gets a three-day weekend while your office stays operational all week.

What Are the Challenges of a 9/80 Schedule?

While the 9/80 work schedule offers numerous benefits, it also presents challenges that businesses may encounter if not implemented carefully. Here are some common issues associated with this type of schedule:

Challenge 1: Poorly Designed Workweeks

A common issue with the 9/80 schedule is failing to design the workweek correctly, which can result in unexpected overtime liabilities.

For example, if employees work 36 hours in the first week and 44 hours in the second week, the extra 4 hours in the second week will be overtime. This can lead to unnecessary costs for the business and disrupt payroll management.

Challenge 2: Inconsistent Start and End Times

Allowing employees to start and end their workday at flexible times can cause inconsistencies in project coverage and tracking hours.

This flexibility might lead to challenges in managing accountability and could create further overtime complications. To mitigate this, businesses should enforce fixed arrival and departure times or implement employee monitoring software to track work hours accurately.

Challenge 3: Frequent Day-Off Changes

While flexibility is valued by many, allowing employees to change their designated day off frequently can create significant complications for scheduling and staffing.

For smaller businesses with limited staff, accommodating such changes can lead to coverage gaps and increased workloads for other employees. This makes it essential to establish clear policies to minimize disruptions.

How to Implement the 9/80 Work Schedule?

A 9/80 work schedule can be an excellent way to boost employee morale and productivity. However, implementing this schedule requires careful planning and consideration to align with employee needs and business goals. Here's how to successfully implement a 9/80 schedule:

1) Assess Employee Satisfaction

Before introducing the 9/80 schedule, it’s essential to gauge how employees feel about the change. Determine whether they are open to longer workdays in exchange for longer weekends. Most employees are likely to prefer a three-day weekend, but preferences may vary.

Open discussions about potential schedule changes can help foster better buy-in and ensure the transition is smooth. Employee input will play a critical role in making the schedule successful.

2) Calculate Costs and Savings

Employee interest is just one part of the equation. The financial impact of the schedule change must also be considered. Analyze how the new schedule might affect utility costs, productivity, and overall business operations.

The schedule change should provide clear benefits for the company and its employees. If the financial or operational impact is unfavorable, it may not be the right time to implement the 9/80 schedule.

3) Run a Trial Period

Even with employee support and a promising financial outlook, it’s wise to conduct a trial period before fully adopting the 9/80 schedule.

A two-week trial is a good starting point to evaluate how well the schedule works in practice. During this trial, monitor its impact on productivity, employee satisfaction, and operational efficiency. Use the data gathered to determine whether the 9/80 schedule is a viable long-term option for your business.

Summary

A 9/80 work schedule can be a great way to improve work-life balance, boost productivity, and make your workplace more attractive to employees. While it comes with challenges, like managing overtime and schedules, careful planning and clear policies can help overcome them. By listening to employees, testing the schedule, and ensuring it fits your business goals, you can create a system that benefits your team and your company.