Why 9 To 5 Workdays May Be Replaced By 'Non-Linear' Hours

In addition to embracing - or at least tolerating - hybrid work schedules, organizations are finding that many employees now want to work 'non-linear' or asynchronous hours, which means outside the traditional 9 to 5 model. 

The advantage is that it permits the workforce to work when they do so the best or when it makes most sense to them, potentially enhancing commitment and productivity. The challenge is maintaining cohesive and collaborative effort which is already harder under hybrid schedules. But organization and communication can provide workable solutions, especially when recruitment, retention and performance can be optimized. JL

Aoibhinn McBride reports in The Next Web:

There’s an increasing shift towards non-linear or asynchronous working, which allow workers to work on their own schedule, instead of the 9-5 model. Remote workers put in an extra 8.7 hours per week on compared to their office-based colleagues who average 6.5 extra hours. Non-linear work empowers employees to work when they’re most productive, giving team members the autonomy to do so. And non-linear work can make teams more efficient, allow employees to thrive and show more dedication towards their work. There is a danger of disengagement when workers don’t see team members face-to-face on a regular basis (so) non-linear work requires organisation and communication

For a long time, the concept of work-life balance felt like an unattainable myth; all it took was a global pandemic and the ensuing government-enforced lockdowns to show employers that their staff could work remotely and still get the job done.

In fact, studies show that remote employees work more hours overall than those based in an office for part or all of the week—remote workers put in an extra 8.7 hours per week on average compared to their office-based colleagues who average 6.5 extra hours.

Post-pandemic a vast number of organisations have come around to the idea that flexible working conditions should be a permanent fixture.

 

And research shows that adopting a more flexible approach to where we work has not only improved work-life balance, but our mental and physical wellbeing too.

However, for some remote workers, real flexibility doesn’t pertain to physical location only. There’s an increasing shift towards non-linear or asynchronous working styles, which essentially allow remote workers to work on their own schedule, instead of following the traditional 9-5 model.

What is a non-linear work day?

The premise of a non-linear workflow is simple: remote employees focus on outcomes rather than the tasks they must complete by a certain date or time, for example hitting weekly or even monthly targets, or driving revenue per quarter instead of focussing on projects or a daily workflow.

Why are some employees seeking it?

From the parents who wish they had more time to spend with their children during the day to the marathon runner who needs to train for up to three hours, non-linear work allows employees to segment their days, manage their own schedules, and fit work in around the things that matter to them.

Neurodiverse workers may also benefit; those with ADHD often find they are most productive at night, and therefore sleep later in the morning.

What are the pros and cons and which companies are open to change?

The benefits of non-linear work are manifold: not only does it empower employees to work when they’re most productive, it gives team members the autonomy to do so. And while some employers might baulk at the idea of giving their staff free rein, non-linear work can make teams more efficient, allow employees to thrive and frequently show more dedication and discipline towards their work.

However, there are some challenges that can’t be overlooked. Non-linear work requires organisation and communication, especially if teams need one member to complete a task before another can start their piece of the work. There’s also the danger of disengagement, something that all remote workers can struggle with when they don’t see team members face-to-face on a regular basis or by having regular check-ins.

The good news is that many organisations are already leaning in to the idea of non-linear work and for good reason: according to a recent study, 37% of European employees are prepared to decline a job if flexible hours are not offered, and just over two thirds (69%) would accept a pay cut in exchange for flexible hours.

Looking for true flexibility when it comes to work-life balance? Discover three jobs below that offer flexible hours.