How many hours is a compressed work week?
William Jenkins
Updated on December 28, 2025
A compressed work schedule allows an employee to work a traditional 35-40 hour workweek in less than the traditional number of workdays. Many compressed work schedule options may be negotiated. For example, a full-time employee scheduled for 40 hours per week could work four 10-hour days instead of five 8-hour days.
Does compressed work week work?
A compressed work schedule allows an employee to work a traditional 35-40 hour workweek in less than five workdays….Advantages and Challenges.
| Advantages | Challenges |
|---|---|
| Staff members working compressed work weeks may spend less time commuting during a given week. | The longer workday may be physically and mentally draining. |
How do you ask for compressed hours?
be dated. state that it is a statutory request for flexible working. set out the working pattern you are asking for and the date on which you would like it to start. explain how the proposed change would affect your employer and colleagues and how you think any changes might be dealt with.
What is a compressed work week is this legal?
Congress Passes Compressed Workweek Bill. Last week, the House of Representatives approved on final reading House Bill 6152 – a bill that allows companies to opt for a 4-day or compressed workweek. Under this setup, employees can work beyond 8 hours a day in exchange for up to 3 rest days per week.
Is compressed hours a good idea?
The advantage of compressed hours is that the employee gets time off during the week or fortnight, but still gets paid a full salary. The disadvantage of a compressed week is that it can be stressful working a very long day and employers must ensure that workers get their statutory breaks.
Are 4 10 hour days better?
With a 4/10 schedule, employees aren’t working fewer hours. Instead, they’re working longer hours each day. You might choose a 4/10 schedule to ensure your technicians can work for longer stretches of time each day, and to make technician scheduling easier for you.
Can I ask to change my working hours?
Every employee, who has been employed for at least 26 weeks, has the legal right to ask to change their working hours. It is a right to request to change your hours, not a right to insist that they be changed. But the law requires your employer to consider your request and deal with it in a sensible way.
How do compressed hours work?
What are compressed hours? Staff working compressed hours work their total contracted hours over fewer working days. For example, a full-time staff member could work 36.5 hours over 4.5 days or a 9 day fortnight rather than 5 days.
How do you negotiate compressed hours?
Here’s How To Negotiate Flexible Work Hours
- Read through your contract or the employee handbook.
- Make a plan.
- Lay out the benefits for your employer.
- Talk to your supervisor.
- Ask for a trial period.
Are 10-hour workdays healthy?
An employee working 10-hour workdays is more susceptible to feeling overworked and fatigued. Employees without the proper level of energy or those suffering from mental health disorders may struggle to complete the necessary job responsibilities. This, in turn, will lead to lower productivity in the workplace.
Can you get fired for asking for less hours?
You shouldn’t have to worry about job security for asking for reduced hours. Either way, this answer on a different question can shed some light on how to go about doing it. Good luck! In the US a boss “can” technically fire you for anything or everything.
Can my employer reduce my hours after furlough?
The short answer is – only if your employment contract allows it. If not, your employer will have to negotiate a change to your contract. Typically, this will involve many members of staff. They, or their union, will have to agree to the new arrangement.
How do you negotiate your hours?
How to Negotiate Flexible Work Hours
- Check in with yourself and contemplate your needs.
- Write out a plan that answers any anticipated questions from your boss.
- Schedule a meeting with your boss to talk about your proposal in person.
- Suggest a trial period for your schedule.
- Graciously navigate conversations with coworkers.
Can you hire someone to negotiate for you?
In fact, in many cases, workers can successfully negotiate better terms for a job offer so they don’t end up leaving money on the table. But this is only possible if they ask a potential employer for what they want. “You get what you negotiate.
Should I work 4 or 5 days a week?
Working four days a week allows employees to have three days away from the office, which can boost their job satisfaction levels. Even with the same number of hours as a five-day workweek, having a long weekend can make employees happier with their job and increase efficiency and productivity.