Compressed Workweek: Pros & Cons as a Flexible Work
Arrangement
A compressed workweek is not just for Utah's state government and other
employers looking to save costs and energy. It can be the flexible work arrangement
you choose as part of
your work-life balance management strategy. But you should definitely carefully
consider the personal pros and cons before deciding on this work option.
A compressed workweek has you working 40 hours in fewer than five days. The
most widely used schedule is 10 hour days for four days a week.
Another arrangement is called 5-4/9. This is a week of five nine-hour days
followed by a week of four nine-hour days, and would give you a day off every
other week.
Here are some of the pros:
- Most employees appreciate having a full day off during each
workweek, while
still preserving full-time income.
- The commute to work may be outside the usual rush hour traffic times
because of the extended work day, and thus less stressful.
- You'll cut your gasoline use and wear-and-tear on your car.
However, here are some challenges and cons to consider:
- An ongoing schedule of ten-hour or nine-hour days, while it may be
the norm for some professionals already, can be physically and mentally
draining.
- Not only is the workweek squeezed into a shorter time frame, but all
the after-work activities must also be wedged into the remaining hours
of each work day.
- Chronic fatigue caused by current work/family conflict time pressures
may or may not be off-set by the regular day off.
- Child or elder care coverage to match your compressed work schedule
may also be a challenge.
If the downside issues are not a concern in your personal circumstances, this
flexible arrangement could work out well for you, with the regular day off
paying personal dividends. Otherwise, proposing a
four-day workweek of eight-hour days
(32 hours) may be a more practical flexible schedule choice.
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.
“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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