The 9/80 Work Schedule: What It Is, the Pros & the Cons
Are You Hiring?
Find candidates in 72 Hours with 5+ million talents in Maukerja Malaysia & Ricebowl using Instant Job Ads.
Hire Now
Most people have the good old 8-hours per day, 5-days a week working arrangement. But did you know there's a new working arrangement? Well, it's not that new, but it's been gaining momentum in the last couple of years.
The 9/80 work arrangement
This arrangement refers to the employee working for 80 hours in 9 days, rather than the regular ten days (as in a five-day workweek).
This work schedule works in a two-week period. In those two weeks:
- An employee will work for 9 hours in 8 days + 8 hours for one day.
- The employer can now give an employee one day off.
Here's an example:
For Week 1
Monday - Thursday: 8 am - 6 pm (with one hour break)
Friday: 9 am to 6 pm (with one hour break)
For Week 2
Monday - Thursday: 8 am - 6 pm (with one hour break)
Friday: Day off
The 8 hours on Week 1's Friday will be split into two so that the second four hours can be applied to Week 2 for payroll reasons. It means that the employee is technically working 40 hours for both weeks, even though they are off on Friday of Week 2.
The 9/80 work schedule
The pros of the 9/80 schedule
1. Extra time
The employees can get back the time in their busy schedule. They can even spend less time going to work. In one month, they have an extra two days off. They will no longer need to waste time on the train or driving.
2. Improved work/life balance
Employers are getting more days off. Now they can spend their free time on their favourite activities and recuperate from the long work week. With two full days off per month, they can get more rest and spend more time with family and friends.
3. Heightened productivity
Since employees will have extra two days off a month, they are less likely to take leave from work such as doctor's appointments, errands and other commitments. They will also be spending more uninterrupted time in the workplace (9 hours + break), meaning that they are more able and willing to finish tasks and assignments once they start.
4. More flexibility
Some managers might have concerns about shift coverage, worrying that they will not have enough employees to cover tasks during the extra day off.
But it's easier. If a manager cannot close the office at the end of every second week, they can split the team into two and give half of them the Friday off. The other half can have the Monday off.
5. Helps recruitment
Recruitment is becoming more challenging these days. Today's candidates prefer unique benefits before they apply. A 9/80 work schedule will make your organisation more attractive to these candidates.
New employees can achieve a work/life balance more tailored to their situation right when they begin. They do not have to put in weeks or months to get more control of their work schedule.
The cons of the 9/80 schedule
1. Longer working days
Some employees may not like the idea of working an extra hour per day. While they can enjoy long weekends twice a month, they don't have much time to spend during the workweek or make plans after work.
2. Scheduling issues
HR will need to account for paid leave, such as annual leave and sick leave, which becomes more complex with a 9/80 work arrangement. For instance, what if an employee takes sick leave on an 8-hour workday?
There will be a need to clarify the rules and policies ahead of time to stay consistent.
3. Staffing problems
For SMEs with fewer workers, the 9/80 schedule is not really ideal. Alternative schedules like this one mean there may not be enough employees to cover all shifts so your business can operate during the extra days off every month.
If you can avoid these potential problems, you should consider the 9/80 schedule to boost your employee productivity and engagement. You can also ask your employees if they would like to try this arrangement. They will be happy to know that you are giving them the flexibility to manage their work schedule.
Articles that might interest you
First Employer Found Guilty Under Act 446 Fined RM20,000
Employers Who Violate Act on Worker Housing Can Be Fined Up To RM50k
Industrial Court Awards Ex-Manager RM800k for Unfair Dismissal