Adults usually spend about 9 to 12 hours at work, regardless of the field or industry. Your work hours might even extend depending on individual circumstances and emergencies – say when you work as medical personnel in the healthcare sector. Meanwhile, some people prefer to work in their own time, whether at home or in the office.
Regardless of the work schedule, everyone must be comfortable while they are working. You can contact office fit-out companies that will improve your Sydney workstations and office spaces. A well-conducive and modern-looking office environment will encourage more productivity and a positive work attitude among employees.
The dilemma of choosing work hours
Most companies have specific working hours that are usually fixed within a 9 to 12-hour period. Most of us are already used to working from 9:00 am to 6:00 pm or any other fixed schedule. However, a lot of people also long for a flexible work schedule so that they won’t compromise their daily routines and personal endeavors.
More and more people dream of having flexible working hours. But ironically, flexible working hours still seem to be a new thing for a lot of employers. The US Bureau of Labor Statistics reveals that at least 20 million adults choose to have part-time – a lot of them having two or more part-time jobs – over full-time employment. Even though full-time jobs offer higher salaries, more and more workers choose to have more time with their personal lives over earning more money.
There are also different reasons why people work. Some work for their families and to provide food on their tables. Others work to pay for tuition fees while balancing their time at school. Some need to earn money but also need time to take care of a sick family member. Others work while pursuing their endeavors (ex. running an animal rescue center, operating a soup kitchen, etc.).
So which type of work schedule is better?
It depends on the person. Some are fine working fixed hours like the usual 9 to 6 and still be able to manage their personal lives. On the other hand, some prefer having flexible work hours to help manage their days better. Regardless of the work hours, companies look for one goal: that the employees can accomplish their given tasks according to their respective work schedules.
Each work schedule has pros and cons. For example, flexi-time workers can work in their own time. They have more control over their plans and be able to attend to their personal needs. However, there is a temptation to be lax due to various distractions. People who want to work flexible hours might even expect to work at odd hours at some days.
Meanwhile, those who work in fixed schedules can be able to collaborate better with coworkers and superiors with the same schedule as theirs. It can also be easier to schedule meetings for those with the same working hours. However, it might not give them the flexibility to do other things and other emergencies. They also tend to be late at work, especially if there is traffic since they have to adjust to their respective work schedules.
It should not matter whether people prefer fixed or flexible working hours. Employers will still look at an employee’s work performance. At the same time, employees have all the freedom to choose a schedule that will work best for them.
