The modern workplace is evolving, and with it, the way we approach work schedules.

The traditional 9-to-5, 5-day-a-week work schedule is not the only option now. A new approach gaining popularity is — a 9/80 work schedule. This innovative approach to scheduling offers employees an extra day off every other week, without sacrificing productivity or work hours. It's like having your cake and eating it too!

But before you jump on the 9/80 bandwagon, it's essential to understand the ins and outs of this compressed workweek. In this blog, we'll discuss the 9/80 work schedule, its pros and cons, and how you can decide if it’s a good work schedule option for your business.

What is the 9/80 Work Schedule?

A 9/80 work schedule is a compressed work arrangement where employees work 80 hours over 9 days, instead of the traditional 10 days in two weeks. Here's how it typically works:

1. You work 8 nine-hour days and 1 eight-hour day in two weeks.
2. The eight-hour day is usually split into two four-hour periods, falling on the first and last Friday of the two-week cycle.

Here's how it works:

• First Friday: 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. (4 hours) - counted in the first workweek
• First Friday: 12 p.m. to 4 p.m. (4 hours) - counted in the second workweek

First Workweek (44 hours):

• Monday to Thursday: 9 hours per day (36 hours)
• First Friday: 4 hours (8 a.m. to 12 p.m.)
• Total: 40 hours

Second Workweek (36 hours):

• First Friday: 4 hours (12 p.m. to 4 p.m.)
• Monday to Thursday: 9 hours per day (36 hours)
• Total: 40 hours

Total hours worked in 2 weeks = 80 hours.

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Alt text: 9/80 work schedule

This means you work longer hours each day, but in return, you get an extra day off every other week.

Advantages of 9/80 Work Schedule

Better work-life balance, more productivity

With a 9/80 schedule, employees get an extra day off every other week. This means they can use that day to handle personal errands, spend time with family, or simply relax and recharge. Having a three-day weekend twice a month can significantly improve employees' work-life balance, as they have more time to pursue hobbies, take short trips, or engage in activities they enjoy outside of work. This extra personal time can lead to increased job satisfaction and reduced stress levels.

When employees have a better work-life balance, they often come to work feeling more refreshed and motivated, which can lead to increased productivity.

Reduced commuting time and costs

A 9/80 work schedule means that employees commute to work nine days instead of ten in two weeks. This reduction in commuting days can lead to significant time and cost savings for employees.

For example, if an employee spends an hour commuting each way, they can save two hours every other week by not commuting on their extra day off. This time savings can add up over the course of a year, giving employees more time for themselves and their families. Furthermore, reduced commuting can lead to cost savings on gas, vehicle maintenance, and public transportation fares.

Attracting top talent

Offering a 9/80 work schedule can be a powerful recruitment tool. Many job seekers, especially those in high-demand fields like technology or creative industries, may be more likely to apply for positions that offer this type of flexibility. The promise of an extra day off every other week can be a significant draw for candidates who value work-life balance or have personal commitments outside of work. By attracting a larger pool of qualified candidates, you can improve their chances of finding the best fit for their open positions.

Disadvantages of 9/80 Work Schedule

Scheduling challenges and coverage issues

Implementing a 9/80 work schedule can create scheduling challenges, especially for teams that require constant collaboration or for customer-facing roles that need consistent coverage. With employees working longer hours and taking every other Friday off, managers may struggle to ensure that there is always adequate staffing to meet business needs. This can be particularly challenging if multiple team members choose the same day off, leading to potential gaps in coverage or reduced productivity on those days.

Increased operational costs

Adopting a 9/80 work schedule may lead to increased operational costs for the company. For example, if the business requires the office or facility to remain open on Fridays when some employees are off, there may be additional utility costs, such as electricity and heating/cooling expenses. If the company needs to hire part-time staff or temporary workers to fill in gaps in coverage, this can result in increased labor costs. The company may also need to invest in additional resources or technology to ensure that work can be completed efficiently during the compressed workweek.

Balancing employee preferences and business needs

Not all employees may want the same Friday off, which can create scheduling conflicts. Some team members may prefer to have the first Friday off, while others may prefer the second Friday. Balancing these preferences with the company's business needs can be a challenge for managers. They may need to create a fair system for allocating days off while ensuring that critical functions are always covered.

Navigating Payroll for a 9/80 Work Schedule

To maintain compliance with labor laws and avoid unintended overtime payments, employers must carefully track employee hours across two-week periods. This is because the 9/80 schedule doesn't align with the standard Monday-to-Sunday or Sunday-to-Saturday workweek.

Under a typical 9/80 arrangement, employees work 9-hour days Monday through Thursday, with the first Friday consisting of 8 hours split between the two workweeks. The first 4 hours of that Friday belong to the first week, while the remaining 4 hours kick off the second week.

This split work week also impacts how employers should handle paid time off. Vacation days and sick days taken on a 9-hour workday (Monday-Thursday) should be counted as 9 hours of leave, while those taken on an 8-hour Friday should be counted as 8 hours. Fortunately, global payroll and hiring platforms like Thera can simplify this process, making it easier for employers to manage payroll, and ensure compliance across multiple jurisdictions.

Holidays also require special attention. If a holiday falls on a 9-hour workday, it should be treated as 9 hours of paid holiday time. However, if it falls on the 8-hour Friday, it should be counted as 8 hours.

Overtime calculations remain relatively straightforward. If anyone works more than 9 hours on any day from Monday to Thursday or works more than 4 hours on the first Friday morning, those extra hours would be considered overtime. The same rules apply for the second week.

Should You Adopt a 9/80 Work Schedule?

When you're considering a switch to a 9/80 work schedule, there are a few key factors to keep in mind.

First, think about the nature of your business. If you're in an industry that requires a consistent daily presence, like a school, a 9/80 schedule might not be the best fit. But if you're in a field with more flexibility, like software development or graphic design, a compressed workweek could be a great way to give your employees some extra time off while still getting the job done.

Now, let's talk about the practical side of making it happen.

Are you prepared to invest in the tools and resources needed to track your team's hours accurately? With a 9/80 schedule, you can't just rely on the standard 8-hour workday. You'll need to monitor your employees' hours over a two-week period, making sure you're not inadvertently underpaying them or racking up unnecessary overtime. It might require some extra attention to detail.

Another important consideration is how your team will adapt to the new schedule. Some employees might love the idea of longer weekends, while others might find the extended workdays a bit challenging. It's your job to ensure that everyone's on board and that productivity doesn't suffer, even with the unconventional schedule.

Before making the switch, it's crucial to have an open discussion with your team. Get their feedback, address their concerns, and clearly outline your expectations. You don't want any misunderstandings cropping up later on!

And don't forget to double-check that you're complying with all the relevant labor laws. Different regions have their own regulations surrounding alternative work schedules, so make sure you've done your due diligence. Partnering with a global payroll and hiring platform like Thera can help you navigate the complexities of international compliance, giving you peace of mind as you implement your 9/80 schedule.

Ultimately, whether a 9/80 schedule is right for your company depends on your specific circumstances. If you have the flexibility, the resources, and the team's support, it could be a fantastic way to improve work-life balance and boost morale. But if you're in a more structured or client-facing industry, sticking with the traditional 8-hour workday might be the way to go.

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