Technological advancements has changed how we work, the way we work and when we work.
Although the 9 to 5 work schedule has been around for a long time, maybe it’s time we reflect back on why a 9 to 5 schedule began in the first place and then customize it to the world we live in today.
Robert Whaples, a professor at Wake Forest University created a detailed timeline on the evolution of hours worked in the United States for the Economic History Association. In the comprehensive write up, it’s mentioned that in the 1800s, many Americans worked seventy hours or more per week and over the years, various factors led to our current work schedule of 9 to 5.
Since technology and devices allow anyone to work from anywhere now, what can a work schedule look like? The work schedule can be highly customized to the nature of a certain business. For a service based company, they can take care of customers around the clock and create a win-win situation for both the clients and the company. The company can allows employees to work at times where they are most productive (some prefer working in the mornings, some in the afternoon and others at evenings/night time).
These few scenarios can be addressed with work anywhere and anytime model.
Why wait till Monday morning to address a customer’s problem who faced a issue last Friday evening?
If an employee feels more productive in the evenings/night where she or he can focus better without interrupted meetings and office chatter, why not facilitate that environment? Wouldn’t both the company and the employee win here?
Since the “work from home” is a more accepted model of working these days, why not let teams meet at times where they feel is necessary and not constrain them to a 9 to 5 timeline?