Variable Work Hour Programs

Variable work hour programs offer alternatives to the common nine to five workday.  These work arrangements can reduce traffic congestion by widening the timeframe during which employees can commute to and from work. Three common approaches to creating variable work hour programs include flex-time, compressed work weeks and staggered work hours.

Compressed Work Weeks – A compressed work week schedule permits employees to finish their usual number of working hours in fewer days per week or per pay period, thus not commuting to the office at least one day per pay period. Types of compressed work weeks include: 

9/80 work week – Employees work 80 hours over 9 work days.
4/40 work week – Employees work a 40-hour week in 4 days.
3/36 work week – Common in health facilities, fire departments, and police, employees work 3 12-hour days.

Staggered Work Hours – This can reduce peak period traffic at the worksite by staggering the times when employees arrive and depart work.  

Flex-time – Flex-time allows employees the option of changing their starting and ending times each workday. Most flex-time programs include a core period when all employees must be present.  

How to Start a Flexible Work Schedule  

Here’s a guide to starting a Flexible Work Schedule program: 

1. Select the program best suited for the company.
2. Solicit management support.
3. Appoint a project coordinator.
4. Involve labor unions and legal counsel where appropriate.
5. Customize selected programs.
6. Set policies and procedures.
7. Review operational needs of each work unit.
8. Determine employee interest.
9. Initiate promotion/orientation sessions.
10. Address individual concerns.
11. Start the program.
12. Monitor the program and make adjustments.