Definition

Compressed Workweek is an arrangement in which an employee works his/her full-time hours (e.g. 40 hours) in fewer than the normal number of days per work week.

There are 4 common types of schedules used for compressed workweek. These are based on
a 40-hour 5-day workweek:

• 4/40 Schedule

This is one of the most common schedules adopted by employers. Employees work four 10-hour days and have the 5th day off. To ensure better coverage of responsibilities, some organisations may request that employees take two half days off instead of an entire day.




• 9/80 Schedule

In this schedule, employees work a permutation of 80 hours in nine days. In most cases, employees work eight 9-hour and one 8-hour day. They then have the 10th day off.




• 3/12 Schedule

This schedule is often adopted by organisations that require employees to work on weekends. Employees work three 12-hour days (usually including weekends) and have two days off.




• 5-4/9 Schedule

In this schedule, employees work a week of five 9-hour days followed by a week of four 9-hour days. This allows employees a day off every other week.

Benefits to Employers

• Reduce costs of office space
• Reduce absenteeism
• Economise during off-peak days
• May help reduce overtime payments
• Retain skilled employees who may have other personal commitments

Benefits to Employees

• More flexibility to manage work and personal time
• Saves travelling time/cost when travelling to and from work outside peak hours
• Enjoy regular full-day / half-days off while preserving full-time salary
• May provide a longer weekend for leisure time