Have you considered switching schedules? You might like what you find.
A sometimes overlooked option for many workers is the possibility of working a compressed schedule. When I was negotiating my newest role, I was hopeful I would be able to keep a compressed schedule as it had provided a lot of benefit to my personal life.
What is a compressed schedule?
A compressed schedule is an alternative work schedule instead of the traditional fixed work schedule of 8 hours per day, 40 hours per week. There are a number of different options here, but one is something like a 9/80 schedule where you work 9 hour days most days, and have an alternating day off every other week. Your time is “compressed” during the workday to allow for that extra day off.
As explored in other posts, this benefit was very helpful to my family, particularly during the pandemic. But it truly is the gift that keeps giving.
3 Big Benefits Of Working A Compressed Schedule
Lets take a look at the 3 biggest benefits of working a compessed schedule.
1. Time
TimeThis is the obvious one. Your employer gets you a bit longer every day, which allows for you to take that extra call, work a bit more on that project, or just keep the office going. For you, this means a little less of your own time during most days of the week, which can be a hit if you are already maxed at 8 hours a day. The benefit here really comes in with that extra day off every other week.
If you are lucky enough to have a Monday or Friday for your day off then you get a three day weekend every other week. How nice is that? If you have a day off in the middle of the week, then you have that extra time to take care of life business, meet up with a friend, or just do whatever you want or need to do with it.
Time is a gift that we never get back- so having more time to live is certainly a benefit.
2. Productivity
A large study that looked at workers with a four day week in six countries showed that it reduced burnout, increased job satisfaction and improved mental and physical health. The risk is that working longer hours on the days you are at work could lead to more burnout- but overall it appears that most workers are just as productive, if not more productive working this type of schedule
3. Work Life Balance
Work life balance:
Overall, having a four day work week, even if every other week can have benefits to your work life balance. More free time, fewer absences, less commuting all can add up to a better balance in your life.
It may be worth looking into these options at your workplace to see if you might be able to try a compressed schedule.