Compressed Workweek Definition

A compressed workweek allows employees to work fewer days while still working the same number of hours per week as they would if working a standard workweek.

Compressed Workweek Extended Definition
Compressed workweeks let employees work 40 hours in fewer than five workdays. This requires employees to work longer hours each day.

For example, instead of working five days at eight hours each day for a total of 40 hours, the employee may work four days of 10 hours each, or three 12-hour days.

In some cases, the compressed workweek may occur every other week or as needed so employees can meet important deadlines.

For example, an employee may work five nine-hour days during one week and four nine-hour days the second week of the payroll.

Regardless, any time over 40 hours per week is considered overtime at time-and-a-half by the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA).

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Last Updated By

Rachel Blakely-Gray | Feb 15, 2023