What Is a Flexible Compressed Work Schedule?

Federal Government employees may have flexible and compressed work schedules.

A flexible compressed work schedule is used by federal government agencies to create alternative work schedules based on the needs of each individual employee. Various other industries use this same structure to schedule work times.

Origins

In 1982, the Federal Employees Flexible and Compressed Work Schedules Act established innovative provisions for creating federal employee schedules. Instead of using traditional eight-hours per day, 40 hours per week guidelines, employers could implement scheduling times based on an employee's personal needs.

Categories

Federal government alternative work schedules are considered flexible, compressed, or a combination of both. Flexible schedules involve scheduling an employee's workday hours at times that are more convenient for her. Compressed schedules allow an employee to work 40 hours in less than five days.

Advantages

Flexible compressed work schedules allow employees time to fit in personal obligations. When employers are flexible in regard to scheduling, employees may be less likely to miss work due to unforeseen circumstances.

References

• U.S. Office Of Personnel Management: Negotiating Flexible And Compressed Work Schedules