From 9-to-5 to 10-to-4: Changing work patterns highlight rise of flexible schedules
From 9-to-5 to 10-to-4: Changing work patterns highlight rise of flexible schedules
As the world gradually moves beyond the COVID-19 pandemic, the traditional 9-to-5 workday is becoming increasingly outdated. Prior to the pandemic, this schedule was the norm for most office workers. However, recent data indicates a significant shift in working hours, reflecting broader changes in work culture.
A new report from INRIX Inc, detailed in their 2023 Global Traffic Scorecard, reveals that the conventional 9-to-5 routine has largely evolved into a 10-to-4 schedule. The data shows a marked decrease in morning and evening commutes, with a noticeable increase in traffic congestion around midday. Bob Pishue, a transportation analyst at INRIX, noted, “We’re seeing less activity in the morning and evening but much more around noon.”
This shift is partly attributed to the rise of remote and hybrid work arrangements that became prevalent during the pandemic. Many companies worldwide have encouraged employees to return to the office, but the transition has led to a new norm where workers are more focused on work-life balance. David Satterwhite, CEO of Chronus, highlighted this trend, pointing out that employees now prefer to work remotely and only come to the office when absolutely necessary. This has led to a practice known as “coffee badging,” where employees might visit the office briefly for meetings before returning home.
According to a recent Owl Labs survey, 58% of hybrid workers reported coming into the office for just a few hours before leaving. The survey also found that a significant number of professionals now prioritize flexible working hours, work-life balance, and mental health support over career advancement. In fact, 66% of employees stated they would begin job hunting for positions with more flexibility if remote work options were removed, with 39% indicating they would quit their current roles immediately.
These changes reflect a growing demand for flexibility in the workplace, suggesting that the rigid 9-to-5 schedule may be becoming a thing of the past as more workers seek to balance their professional and personal lives.
