In this article we take a closer look at the 4/10 work schedule revolution, its implications, and how it can optimize both business operations and employee satisfaction.
TL;DR: Four 10-hour days = 40 hours/week with a 3-day weekend. Great for hiring and work-life balance; watch for fatigue, coverage, and overtime rules.
What is a 4/10 work schedule?
The 4/10 work schedule means employees work four days a week, 10 hours per day, then enjoy a three-day weekend. This schedule is also known as the 4-on/3-off shift pattern.
This compressed schedule contrasts with the more familiar five eight-hour days model.
Is the 4/10 work schedule the same as a 4-day workweek?
Both involve working four days per week, but they differ in total weekly hours and daily duration.
| Aspect | 4/10 Work Schedule | Four-Day Workweek |
|---|---|---|
| Definition | Four 10-hour days; totals 40 hours/week. | Four days/week; daily hours vary and often total fewer than 40. |
| Total Weekly Hours | 40 | Typically less than 40 |
| Daily Work Hours | 10 | Varies; often 8 or fewer |
| Objective | Maintain a standard 40-hour week by compressing hours into fewer days. | Reduce total hours to enhance work-life balance and potentially productivity. |
| Example Schedule | Mon–Thu: 8:00–18:00; Fri–Sun: Off | Mon–Thu: 9:00–17:00; Fri–Sun: Off |
| Overtime Implications | Daily overtime may apply depending on jurisdiction. | Usually not triggered if daily hours stay within standard limits. |
| Employee Well-being | Longer weekends; risk of daily fatigue from extended shifts. | More frequent rest; potential reductions in stress and burnout. |
Benefits of the 4/10 work schedule
For many businesses and employees, this alternative work schedule can be a game changer:
1. Employee well-being and work-life balance
An extra day off supports rest, personal time, and family commitments, improving overall work-life balance.
2. Reduced commuting
One fewer commute day saves time and costs and can lower stress and emissions.
3. Enhanced productivity
Longer, fewer days can enable deeper focus with fewer context switches.
4. Improved employee satisfaction
A compressed week can strengthen recruitment and retention by offering valued flexibility.
Disadvantages of a 4/10 schedule
As with any model, there are trade-offs to weigh:
1. Employee fatigue
Ten-hour days can increase fatigue, reducing productivity and raising error risk.
2. Schedule incompatibility
Extended days may conflict with childcare, evening classes, or other personal commitments.
3. Reduced staff coverage
With fewer office days, coverage gaps can appear without staggered teams.
4. Overtime regulations
Some jurisdictions require overtime after eight hours in a day, increasing labor costs unless compliant alternatives are adopted.
Statistics on 4/10 work schedules
Recent surveys and pilots report:
- Employee preferences: A survey found most respondents preferred condensing 40 hours into four days over five.
- Productivity: Many workers report higher productivity with a four-day week.
- Well-being: Studies note increased happiness and reduced stress after switching to four days.
- Adoption: A growing share of organizations offer compressed weeks (40 hours over four days).
Outcomes vary by role and implementation quality; plan for fatigue management and coverage.
Implementing the 4/10 work schedule
A structured rollout helps ensure a smooth transition:
1. Assess feasibility
- Operations: Align with service hours, deadlines, and coverage needs.
- Legal: Review overtime, break rules, and local requirements.
- Resources: Confirm staffing, utilities, and cost impacts.
2. Consult employees
- Survey and feedback: Gauge interest and surface concerns.
- Mitigations: Explore solutions for childcare, transit, and accessibility.
3. Pilot test
- Trial period: Run a time-boxed pilot to evaluate impact.
- Measure: Track KPIs, service levels, and satisfaction.
4. Full implementation
- Policies: Formalize work hours, change requests, and coverage rules.
- Support: Offer flexible start/end windows where possible.
Legal and HR implications
Key considerations when employees work four 10-hour days:
Overtime considerations
- United States: Under the FLSA, overtime is typically weekly (over 40 hours). Some states (e.g., California) have daily overtime; California often requires an Alternative Workweek Schedule (AWS) to avoid daily OT for 10-hour days.
- United Kingdom: No statutory overtime premium unless contractually agreed. Working Time Regulations cap average weekly hours at 48 over a reference period unless employees opt out.
Employment contracts
- Amendments: Update contracts for hours, overtime, and breaks; obtain employee agreement in writing.
- Policies: Reflect schedule rules, overtime calculations, and conflict resolution in handbooks.
Break requirements
- United States: Federal law is silent, but many states mandate meal/rest breaks (e.g., California requires a 30-minute meal break per 5 hours and paid 10-minute rest breaks per 4 hours).
- United Kingdom: At least a 20-minute break if working over 6 hours, 11 consecutive hours’ daily rest, and weekly rest entitlements.
Other considerations
- Health and safety: Monitor fatigue risk with longer shifts.
- Right to disconnect: Set boundaries outside scheduled hours where applicable.
- Multi-jurisdiction: Ensure compliance across locations with differing rules.
Comparison with other alternative work schedules
1. 9/80 work schedule
Nine 9-hour days over two weeks with every other Friday off. Compared with 4/10, daily hours are shorter; coverage remains five days/week.
Useful read: What Does an 80-Hour Work Week Look Like? A Guide
2. Flextime
Employees choose start/end times within set limits. Offers daily flexibility versus the fixed, longer 4/10 day.
3. Remote work and hybrid models
Address where work happens rather than hours. Pairing remote/hybrid with 4/10 can reduce commute strain and make 10-hour days more manageable.
Tools and software for managing a 4/10 work schedule
Time-tracking software
Accurately capture 10-hour days and breaks. Time-tracking tools like Shiftbase support compliance and visibility.
Communication tools
Slack, Microsoft Teams, and similar platforms keep teams aligned, surface conflicts, and maintain cohesion on compressed weeks.
Task management platforms
Trello, Asana, or Monday.com help visualize workloads, deadlines, and handoffs so extended days don’t derail projects.
- Create rosters quickly
- Insight into labor costs
- Access anywhere via the app
Optimize your 4/10 work schedule with Shiftbase
Shiftbase makes it easy to set up and manage 4/10 schedules aligned with business needs and employee shift preferences. Features like employee scheduling and time tracking streamline implementation.
Ready to explore the benefits? Start a free 14-day trial and optimize your approach to work-life balance.
