Why Companies Should Switch to the 9/80 Work Schedule Immediately

Wouldn’t we all love a four-day workweek? That might be too nice to come to fruition, but at some companies, you can do something along those lines.

The 9/80 work schedule has become more common in the past decade. It is a two-week workweek schedule of eight 9-hour days, one 8-hour day, and one day off.

So week one would be 9-hour days Monday to Thursday, then an 8-hour day Friday. Next week would be 9-hour days Monday to Thursday, then Friday you are off. And then the schedule repeats.

At the end of the two weeks, you still work the same number of hours: 80. Instead of working 8 hours every day, for ten days, you work the 80 hours over 9 days.

Just looking at the numbers, this sounds much more efficient. It also gives employees more freedom while still allowing them time to get their work done for the company.

Three Day Weekends

The obvious benefit of the 9/80 work schedule is that every other week, you get Friday off. And who doesn’t love a three-day weekend?

No, not every weekend will have the energy of Labor Day Weekend. Or be a nice surprise like Martin Luther King Jr. Day.

But with an extra day off, the possibilities are endless. Workers can spend more time traveling, seeing friends and family, or de-stressing and just enjoying the time off.

The key is that employees now have an extra day to spend as they please. More freedom leaves workers feeling happier and excited to work.

Mental Health Benefits

There are many recorded health benefits of the 4-day workweek. Unfortunately, there is not as much data available on the 9/80 schedule. But a big part of the 9/80 schedule is that every other workweek is only four days.

Some of the benefits of a 4-day workweek include: increased productivity, better sleep, and decreased risk of heart disease.

There are also psychological benefits such as less stress and anxiety, better personal relationships, and a more meaningful and purposeful life.

Companies Utilizing the 9/80 Schedule

Unfortunately, there are not too many companies using this work schedule. There are some government jobs that follow this schedule. Large defense contractors such as Lockheed Martin, General Dynamics, and Raytheon offer most of their employees this option.

Even if you’re company does not offer it, it can’t hurt to ask for it. Whether you’ve been at your company for ten years, or if you are about to start a new job, you will never get anything in life unless you ask for it. Just make sure you have evidence of why it will benefit the company. Who knows, maybe you’ll be the legend to start the movement at your company.

Work-Life Balance

One of the most overused and useless phrases in corporate America: “work-life balance.”

It is an outdated phrase that companies use to attract potential employees. The issue is that everyone has different ideas of a steady work-life balance. And when things get rough and deadlines approach, that balance can be thrown out the window in a heartbeat.

The 9/80 work schedule provides a better opportunity for work-life balance. Most days after work, people have limited time or energy to do what they want. This doesn’t include the other responsibilities they need to tend to.

The 9/80 work schedule gives employees a chance to spend more time doing what they want to do. With an extra day off parents can spend it with their kids, part-time students can catch up on their classes. The point is people can spend their time how they please.

While on the topic of “work-life balance,” companies should acknowledge it is a flawed system. Why not consider “work-life flow?” Provide your employees with more freedom to craft their schedule around what they desire, not the 9-5 time that is deemed for work. Each person has different times that they are most productive; find that time and your employees will flourish.

Final Thoughts

The 9/80 work schedule embraces flexibility for workers. In this day and age, that is essential. I know I certainly appreciate companies that give freedom to their employees.

It’s not the 1970’s anymore. Most employees have shown they can work from home and still be productive. Now it is time to see if workers can be productive on a different work schedule. Who decided that we had to work 8 hours a day, 5 days a week for the rest of our lives anyway?

One of my all-time favorite books is The 4-Hour Workweek by Tim Ferriss. I highly recommend it for anyone who wants to be more efficient at work, and also for those looking to gain more freedom and flexibility in their job.