What is a 9/80 Work Schedule?
The traditional 9-to-5, Monday-to-Friday work schedule has long been a staple of modern workplaces. However, workforces, demands, employees, business goals, and expectations have changed, and those changes have cleared the way for new arrangements like the 9/80 work schedule. This updated plan carries a novel twist to the workweek, as it condenses the standard two-week period into nine days instead of ten so that employees can have every other Friday off without lowering their total working hours.
As businesses find ways to balance productivity with employee satisfaction, the 9/80 schedule has picked up serious backing for its promise to improve work-life balance while still continuing to promote excellence in the workplace. In this article, we’ll go deeper into what a 9/80 work schedule has to offer, how it works, and why it’s capturing the attention of employers and employees alike.
How a 9/80 Work Schedule Works
At its core, a 9/80 schedule reorganizes the traditional 10-day, two-week work period into nine days. Employees work nine-hour days for eight of those days and an eight-hour day for the ninth. This way, they earn a full day off every two weeks.
Here’s a typical breakdown:
- Week 1: Four nine-hour days (Monday–Thursday) and one eight-hour day (Friday). The first four hours of Friday wrap up Week 1’s 40-hour requirement.
- Week 2: Four more nine-hour days (Monday–Thursday), followed by Friday off.
For example:
- Week 1: Monday through Thursday, 9 a.m.–6 p.m., and Friday, 8 a.m.–5 p.m.
- Week 2: Monday through Thursday, 9 a.m.–6 p.m., and Friday is your day off.
So if you were doing nine-to-five, you now do nine-to-six. Keep in mind that you can add those extra hours in eight days, and that's why the Friday on the first week goes until 5 p.m. Beyond that, you can change the starting and end hours if you have a programmed meal break.
Whether your organization starts the day at 7 a.m. or opts for a later start time, the format stays the same: four nine-hour days, one eight-hour day, and one glorious day off every other week.
How to Implement an Employee Time Off Tracker →
Benefits of a 9/80 Work Schedule for Employers
This alternative schedule is a win for employers, too. Here’s how this flexible work model can make a difference for your business.
Increased Productivity
The promise of a three-day weekend every other week can be a terrific incentive for employees. Knowing they have an extra day off can push them to stay focused and complete tasks efficiently during their nine-hour workdays. Additionally, employees who return to work well-rested are often more engaged and capable of tackling complex projects.
Reduced Absenteeism
Employees with a 9/80 schedule have built-in time to handle personal tasks, like doctor’s appointments or errands, which alleviates the need to take additional time off. The extra days off also provide opportunities for rest and mental recharge, which can minimize burnout and unplanned absences. For employers, this means fewer disruptions and a more dependable workforce.
Attracting and Retaining Talent
Flexibility is one of the most sought-after benefits in today’s job market. Offering a 9/80 schedule positions your organization as forward-thinking and employee-focused, making it more attractive to top talent. Employees are more likely to remain loyal to a company that values good work-life balance. This can help to curb turnover and contribute to morale.
Benefits of a 9/80 Work Schedule for Employees
For employees, this alternative work schedule is a chance to improve their personal lives while still excelling at work. Let’s now see how this schedule helps employees achieve better work-life balance and flexibility.
Improved Work-Life Balance
An extra day off every other week can be a game-changer. Employees can use this time to focus on their personal well-being, whether it's spending time with loved ones, pursuing hobbies, or simply replenishing their batteries. This balance often translates into happier, healthier employees who are more motivated at work.
More Flexibility in Personal Scheduling
With the flexibility to run errands or attend appointments on their day off, employees can avoid the stress of cramming these activities into evenings or weekends. Some companies even offer staggered schedules, where teams alternate their off days to keep operations running smoothly while still enjoying the perks of the 9/80 model.
Potential Cost Savings on Commuting
Commuting fewer days each month means employees spend less on gas, tolls, or public transportation. Fewer trips also mean less wear and tear on vehicles and reduced exposure to rush-hour traffic. For employees with longer commutes, the time and cost savings can significantly increase their quality of life.
What Is Employee Satisfaction and How to Improve It →
9/80 Work Schedule vs. Traditional 9 to 5 Schedule
Switching to a 9/80 work schedule can seem like a big leap from the traditional 9 to 5. While both models offer distinct advantages, they are useful to different needs and work environments. Let’s break down how these two schedules compare in key areas.
Comparison of Work Hours and Breaks
A traditional 9 to 5 schedule typically involves an eight-hour workday, five days a week, totaling 40 hours. The 9/80 schedule, on the other hand, condenses 80 hours into nine workdays, with eight nine-hour days and one eight-hour day followed by an extra day off every other week. While the 9/80 model requires longer daily shifts, it provides a built-in three-day weekend twice a month, which many employees find highly rewarding.
Impact on Work-Life Balance
The extra day off in a 9/80 schedule can significantly strengthen work-life balance as it offers employees more time for personal errands, relaxation, or family activities. Traditional schedules, while consistent, may feel restrictive, especially for those who struggle to fit personal responsibilities into evenings and weekends. Still, some employees might find the longer hours in a 9/80 setup challenging, especially if they have demanding personal schedules.
Productivity Differences
A 9/80 schedule often motivates employees to work more efficiently, knowing they’ll be rewarded with additional time off. This model can also lead to more optimistic moods and fewer absences. Even so, longer workdays may decrease productivity toward the end of shifts, particularly for employees who perform better in shorter bursts. In contrast, the traditional 9 to 5 model provides consistent hours that may suit those who function best on a steady routine.
Ease of Implementation and Compliance
Traditional schedules are simpler to implement, as they require no adjustments to operational workflows or labor compliance standards. The 9/80 schedule, at least at first, requires careful planning, especially if payroll contracts mention that shifts or schedules are traditional. Small businesses may find it hard to keep teams covered or divide teams well, while larger organizations are better able to deal with the nuances of a staggered schedule.
In summary, the choice between a 9/80 and a 9 to 5 schedule depends on your organization’s priorities, workforce needs, and operational structure. Each model has its merits, but understanding the trade-offs can help employers make the right decision for their teams.
Steps to Implementing a 9/80 Work Schedule in Your Organization
Still, to be fair, the 9/80 is not very difficult to understand. That's why adopting a 9/80 work schedule requires some planning and communication to make sure it’s a success—and that's about it. Here's a step-by-step guide:
Determine the Viability of the 9/80 Schedule
Start by evaluating whether this schedule aligns with your company's operations, industry requirements, and employee preferences:
- Operations: Consider whether your business can function effectively with a smaller staff on certain days. For example, industries like retail or healthcare, which require consistent coverage, might find this schedule challenging.
- Employee roles: Find out if employees can adapt to longer workdays and if their tasks are suited to a condensed schedule.
- Team feedback: Ask around before setting it up. If the majority are against the shift, implementing it may lead to dissatisfaction.
- Resources: Check your payroll system can handle the 9/80 structure, and adjust time-off policies to account for extended workdays.
Communicate with Staff
Transparent and open communication is key to securing buy-in and addressing concerns. Share the proposed schedule, gather feedback, and address concerns. Employees need to see how this change benefits both them and the company.
Test with a Pilot Program
Before rolling out the schedule company-wide, consider the idea of testing it with a small group. This pilot phase helps identify challenges like scheduling conflicts, productivity impacts, or employee well-being concerns. Use this feedback to fine-tune policies and logistics.
Monitor and Adjust Post-Implementation
Once the schedule is in place, track its impact on productivity, employee satisfaction, and absenteeism. Regular feedback from staff will help identify challenges and areas for improvement. Plus, be prepared to tweak the schedule or processes to better align with your workforce’s needs and your business goals. The best way to check this before-and-after is with a people analytics tool that gathers the numbers for you.
9/80 Work Schedule FAQs
How do I know if a 9/80 schedule is suitable for my business?
Alternative work schedules have to be evaluated on a case-by-case basis. If your operations can withstand longer workdays and shortened attendance on Fridays, a 9/80 schedule might help improve productivity and employee satisfaction.
What industries or roles are best suited for a 9/80 work schedule?
Industries with project-based work, such as engineering, IT, or creative fields, often do well with flexible work schedules. Roles that require focused, uninterrupted time are also a great fit, provided client or customer service needs are met. It's a plan mostly for exempt employees, since non-exempt employees are typically requested to spend overtime hours or work shifts that don't always match a 9/80.
Are there any tech tools that can help manage a 9/80 work schedule?
Yes, tools like time tracking software, workforce management platforms, and scheduling apps can simplify planning and stay in compliance. These tools, like TalentHR, help track hours worked, monitor attendance, and manage shifts on any schedule.