Implementation of Compressed Work Schedules: Participation and Job Redesign as Critical Factors for Employee Acceptance

This paper summarizes the empirical evidence on compressed work weeks and analyzes the effects of an implementation of a three‐day/ thirty‐eight hour (3/38) work schedule among information systems personnel ( N = 84). Data showed that eighteen months after implementation, 3/38 employees still strongly favor the compressed schedule. Those most likely to express favorable attitudes towards the schedule were employees who had participated in the decision to implement 3/38, those whose jobs had been enriched by the schedule change, and those with strong higher order needs. Fatigue did not appear to be a problem. The data also suggest substantial organizational payoffs including reductions in sick time, overtime, and personal leave time.