Shorten the week – Compressed Work Week

A compressed work week, also known as a flex schedule, gives you the benefit of an extra day off by allowing you to finish your usual number of working hours in fewer days per pay period. Work four 10-hour days each week with one day off with a 4/40 schedule, or work 80 hours in nine days with an extra day off every other week.


I am interested in a flex schedule, what should I do?

First, if your employer offers a flex schedule ask your supervisor for a copy of the existing policy. Some employers require the employee submit a form stating how their job duties would allow for a flex schedule. Typically, if your job requires you to provide customer service such as a front receptionist or telephone operator, a flex schedule may not work for you if your employer needs you there five days a week.

If your employer does not have an existing policy, you may need to do your own research. Find existing policies from other companies and present them to your management team. Employee surveys have found that flex schedules are a great employee benefit and may even help your employer retain valuable employees.


Flex Schedule Resources

Commuter Challenge
Commuter Challenge has compiled case studies of Washington businesses implementing flex schedules.

WSDOT Flextime Policy (pdf)
Example of a flextime policy currently used by the Washington State Department of Transportation.

Imagine having every weekend, or every other weekend, be a three-day weekend!