9/80 schedule

9/80 schedule (in shift work): Working 80 hours over 9 days in a two-week period.

9/80 schedule

A 9/80 schedule is a compressed work arrangement where employees work 80 hours over nine days in a two-week period instead of the traditional ten days. This innovative approach to scheduling maintains full-time hours while providing workers with an additional day off every two weeks, typically alternating Fridays.

The name “9/80” comes from the schedule’s core components:

9 working days (instead of 10) in a two-week period
80 total working hours maintained

Example of a 9/80 schedule:

Week 1:

Monday to Thursday: 9 hours each day
Friday: 8 hours

Week 2:

Monday to Thursday: 9 hours each day
Friday: Off

Common Industries Using 9/80 Schedules

The primary advantage of the 9/80 schedule over these alternatives lies in its balance between flexibility and structure. It provides regular extended breaks without requiring extremely long workdays or complex rotation patterns. Additionally, the 9/80 schedule maintains consistent coverage during traditional business hours, making it particularly suitable for client-facing operations and collaborative team environments.

Many companies adopt this approach to offer staff more time for personal pursuits without negatively impacting work commitments. It’s about working smarter, not harder. While any organization can implement a 9/80 schedule, it’s particularly common in:

Engineering firms
Technology companies
Manufacturing facilities
Government agencies
Aerospace and defense contractors

Benefits of the 9/80 Work Schedule

The 9/80 schedule offers numerous advantages for both employees and employers:

For Employees:

Extra day off every other week for personal activities
Reduced commuting time and costs
Better work-life balance
Longer weekends for extended trips or family time
Ability to schedule appointments on off Fridays

For Employers:

Increased employee satisfaction and retention
Extended daily coverage for customer service
Potential reduction in overhead costs
Enhanced recruitment appeal
Improved productivity during longer workdays

How we can help

We know finding the perfect fit for managing scheduling and shift planning can feel overwhelming, and not every solution suits every organization. If you’re navigating the waters of flexible scheduling, consider giving our self-scheduling software, Zelos Team Management, a shot. When your basic roster is not enough, Zelos is a practical addition to your toolbox for shift exchange and extra shift signup.