Compressed Work Schedule

Meaning & Definition

Compressed Work Schedule is the process in which employees work fewer days to finish their weekly hours (as part of a flexible work schedule) as opposed to working 5 regular, 8-hour days (40 hours). This typically involves extending the length of their shifts to accomplish the same total amount of work in fewer days (for example, a 4-day workweek instead of 5 days) while not reducing total hours.

Important aspects of Compressed Work Schedule

• Enhances work-life balance for workers.
• Reduces travel time and travel costs for employees.
• Increases worker satisfaction and engages employees positively.
• Improves a more flexible, contemporary work environment for companies and their employees.
• Supports businesses in controlling absenteeism and productivity.

Legal Compliance 

In India, there are no direct; statutory definitions of compressed work schedules; however, there are restrictions on the number of hours an employee may work per week, per the Factories Act, 1948 and other relevant legislation (Shops & Establishments Acts differ by state), and if employers are using compressed work schedules, they must comply with any appropriate overtime regulations.