Question

Compare and contrast the alternative work schedule of flextime and compressed work week.

Answer 1

Two of the most popular working schedule that is being practiced across the globe are flextime and compressed workweek. A Compressed Workweek is a traditional approach that has been followed for a long period and it has proven successful over this tenure. A typical compressed workweek indicates the weekly hours that were scheduled to be completed within 5 days are now being completed in 4 days by putting in extra hours on the working days. This enables an extra day off to the employees. A flexitime schedule, on the other hand, provides the employees with the option to manage the work timings in order to suit their own requirements and complete the weekly allocated hours as and when they prefer. This provides better flexibility for the employee to manage the hours as per their needs.

Advantages of flextime approach:

• Employees can manage the work schedule as per their convenience
• Provides employees an opportunity to pursue other areas of life while not disrupting the working schedule
• Ensures employees are satisfied as they meet their personal needs and demand
• Better job satisfaction and fewer occurrences of burnout

Advantages of a compressed workweek approach:

• Additional time off from work and extended weekends
• Round the clock support for customers and business
• Higher energy savings for the firm by ensuring the infrastructure is used for fewer days

Disadvantages of flextime approach:

• Improper communication can lead to lack of clarity and planning of shifts
• Can lead to delay in completing collaborative work
• Group related tasks will be hindered if all employees are not following a similar schedule

Disadvantages of flextime approach:

• Longer hours each day will lead to fatigue and undue stress
• Managing longer hours every day could be challenging for a few employees who have other daily dependencies

While both approaches provide benefits to employees and firms, one cannot overlook the challenges that come along with each approach. Flexitime works well in areas where teams understand each other and their needs. Compressed workweek provides an additional day off but that comes at price of putting in long hours every single day. This can often lead to additional fatigue over the weekend leading to wastage of extra day off to recover from the additional work.