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Flexible Work Adviser, Pat Katepoo

 
 
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Compressed Workweek: Overcoming the Fatigue Factor

A compressed workweek of four 10-hour days allows an employee to save on gasoline costs and have more time off, so it's no wonder I'm seeing more and more interest in this flexible work arrangement.

If you decide to propose this work option, why not arrange it to best recharge your mental and physical batteries? First I'll address...

Which Work Days NOT to Take Off

Avoid choosing Monday as your off day. Career visibility and involvement may wane if you miss out on the action that characterizes the beginning of the week in most workplaces.

Besides, many (US) national holidays have offices officially closed on a Monday, so you may enjoy the occasional three-day weekend anyway.

Taking Fridays has appeal; it tends to be a slower business day and the prospect of a three-day weekend—every week—is hard to resist.

But keep in mind that supportive working relationships are vital to nurturing your career. Taking every Friday off may result in a wall of resentment over time among co-workers and subordinates—-even superiors—who don't enjoy a similar arrangement. That could be a prescription for an eventual fall-out.

So scrap Mondays and Fridays as your regular weekday off. Besides, a workweek of four 10-hour days in a row just adds to the full-time-work fatigue factor and fails to deliver the best benefits that come from having a flexible work arrangement.

What About Getting the Work Done?

As a professional, maybe you're already working 10-hour days for four or five days a week. Surely you couldn't take a full day off each week and still get the work done.

Or could you?

 
Now there's researched-based evidence showing that predictable time off during the week forces better team communication, which drives improved work processes and output. In other words, you'll work better if you work less

So which weekday should you take off?

Why I Recommend Wednesdays Off

I recommend Wednesdays as the off day if it can be arranged within the context of your job.

Having a midweek break from work allows you to pause your pace which can restore a sense of personal control over your home life.

It could be an activity-filled day: maybe something child-related like a school field trip; shopping, errands, personal appointments and chores are also typical.

Yet, you may find that the shift in activities midstream in your workweek refreshes you for the week's remaining two workdays.

And what a relief to have weekends devoted to genuine leisure and family time, not just a squeeze-in and catch-up time of errands and chores.

Most of us are moving in and out of multiple roles in a hectic fashion throughout the week anyway. A calmer-paced rhythm of two days 'on' and one (Wednesday) or two days (weekends) 'off' can help you overcome fatigue and enhance both your work and personal lives.

A couple of other options:

  • You could take Friday as the 'off' day occasionally, say, before a three-day (Monday holiday) weekend.
     
  • Add telecommuting to your proposal and request Fridays as a work-from-home day.

Give it a go and let me know how it works out for you.

The Fastest Way to Write a Compressed Workweek Proposal

If you're looking for a fast-track way to put together a professional, organized, convincing proposal to work full-time in four days, order the Compressed Workweek Proposal Package.

Compressed Four Day Workweek Proposal

 

Many thanks for the research and structure you provide to create a winning proposal; my compressed workweek schedule has been approved. I was able to communicate my needs while providing my employer with a plan to get the work done. It is a win-win.
Diana Mezick, Administrative Assistant, Greek Orthodox Church of St. George, Bethesda, MD

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