The New Workplace Trend: Nonlinear Workdays
The eight-hour workday is a relic of the Industrial Revolution and is no longer realistic today. With the rise of technology, we can now work from anywhere at any time. So why are we still sticking to this outdated model?
There's a new trend emerging in the workplace, and it's called the nonlinear workday. This type of work schedule allows employees to break up their day into two or more blocks, rather than logging on for eight hours straight and working on tasks when they are most productive. So why is this trend gaining popularity? But, first, let's look at the benefits of a nonlinear workday.
Traditionally, employees have had to work within the confines of the eight-hour workday. However, this can often lead to inefficient use of time, as employees may not be able to work on tasks during the times of day when they are most productive. Nonlinear workdays can help to alleviate this issue by allowing employees to schedule their time better.
One key benefit is that it can help break up the monotony of the traditional workday. Eight hours can often feel like a long time, leading to boredom and decreased productivity. Instead of being stuck in a cubicle for eight hours straight, employees can take breaks throughout the day and work on tasks during the times of day when they are most productive. Additionally, it can allow employees to better manage their time by allowing them to work on assignments during the times of day when they are most effective. The above can help to improve employee morale and increase productivity levels. Also, the time people can spend with their family, take the kids to school, or they can exercise in the middle of the day if it is more suitable for them.
Some companies that have embraced the nonlinear workday are Google and GitLab, which allow their employees to take breaks whenever they want and work on whatever projects they choose within the commonly agreed framework. While this may sound like a recipe for disaster, the company has found that it leads to more productive and happier employees.
If you're considering implementing a nonlinear workday at your company, there are a few things to keep in mind. First, you'll need to ensure that your employees can work independently and self-manage their time. Results and not time will measure the people and the processes. So, you'll need a transparent system for tracking employee progress and meeting deadlines. One essential aspect of the system is that it does not track time and stalk the employee.
A nonlinear workday can significantly improve employee productivity and satisfaction with proper planning and execution. If you're ready to take the plunge, Google's example shows that it can be done successfully.
Overall, nonlinear workdays offer several potential benefits for both employers and employees. However, when you consider implementing this type of schedule in your workplace, weighing the pros and cons, is essential to see if it is right for you now.