How the 4x10 compressed week works

The roster

One row per team, one column per day of the cycle. The cycle then repeats.

Shifts per 7-day cycle

How the roster works

Set a long shift of 10 worked hours. For a business that runs seven days, two crews split the week: Team A reads LLLLOOO, working the first four days, and Team B reads OOOLLLL, working the last four, with an overlap in the middle. Between them the shift is covered every day of the week, while each person works four days and rests three. For a workplace that only needs cover on weekdays, a single crew works Monday to Thursday and rests Friday to Sunday. The three day break each week is the main draw.

• L is the long 10 hour working day.
• O is a rest day; three follow each block.
• Each person works four days and rests three.
• Two crews keep a seven day business covered.

Hours per week worked out

Four 10 hour days is 40 hours a week, the same total as a standard five day week. The difference is the day length: 10 hours is two hours past the eight hour ordinary day set by the OSH Code. Those extra two hours a day can count as overtime at twice the ordinary wage rate with consent, unless your state notification allows a longer daily working time and spread over. Check your state rule before you compress the week, because the weekly total being 40 hours does not by itself make the long day lawful.

Who it suits

The 4x10 schedule suits offices, IT teams, some workshops and service centres where the work can be done in longer blocks and a three day weekend is prized. It cuts commuting to four days and gives a long break for rest or study. The cost is a tiring 10 hour day, which does not suit heavy physical work or roles needing constant alertness late in the day. Confirm the daily hours rule for your state first, and pay the hours beyond eight as overtime unless a longer day is allowed.

Pros

• A three day weekend every single week.
• Same 40 hour total as a five day week.
• Fewer commutes, just four days a week.
• Long break aids rest, study or family time.

Cons

• Ten hour days are tiring, especially late on.
• Hours beyond eight may count as overtime.
• State rules on daily hours must be checked first.
• Not suited to heavy or high alert work.

Set it up in ZeniaHR

1. In the shift catalogue add the long shift with its code, 10 worked hours, break, full and half day hours of ten, grace in and out, and a colour.
2. Build the roster with four working days and three rest days, and for a seven day business use two crews staggered so cover holds every day.
3. Assign in bulk over up to 92 days and open the day grid to confirm the shift is covered each day and each person works four days.
4. Set the overtime policy to count the hours beyond eight a day, and keep the multiplier at or above twice the ordinary rate unless a longer day is notified.
5. Use attendance rules with grace and the missed punch out alert so a long day that does not close is flagged to the supervisor.
6. Check your state working hours rule and record the arrangement, since the compressed day depends on the notified daily limit and spread over.

Frequently asked questions