The 4/4 Work Schedule: Impact On Employee Productivity And Work Attitudes In A Continuous Operation Industry

Abstract

This study compared the productivity and work attitudes of employees on a 6/2 work schedule (n=66) to employees on a 4/4 work schedule (n=132) in four continuous operation facilities.  Findings suggest that employees on the 4/4 work schedule were more productive, had better attitudes toward the job itself, and were generally found to have more favorable co-worker attitudes.  Researchers suggest that if attempting to implement this work schedule, management should consider that the schedule is favored by younger workers and by women.  The authors suggest further research is needed to determine which types of jobs and operations would especially benefit from the 4/4 work schedule and to determine the effect that length of time on the schedule might have on employee productivity and attitudes.