Workplace Well-being

Summer intensive schedule? A motivation for employees and cost savings for companies

Nuria Nieva

Nuria Nieva

20 Jun 2024

Table of contents

    With the arrival of the summer period, many companies are opting to implement the summer intensive work schedule. Although this practice is not explicitly outlined in the Workers' Statute, it has been incorporated into many collective bargaining agreements of various organizations.

    If you're still unsure about what we're talking about, stay with us and keep reading. You're about to discover one of the main motivators for many employees and learn how this measure can benefit your company if you're a CEO. 🚀

    What is the Summer Intensive Work Schedule?

    The summer intensive work schedule involves reducing the daily working hours, allowing employees to concentrate their work hours in a shorter period, usually in the morning, so they can enjoy their afternoons off. This schedule adjustment is typically applied during the hottest months, from June to September.

    Differences with Regular and Intensive Work Schedules

    Regular Schedule:

    Typically, the regular work schedule involves working eight hours a day, distributed across a time frame that may be split, allowing for a lunch break. Since it is a regular schedule, this time frame remains constant throughout the year.

    Intensive Schedule:

    The summer intensive schedule reduces the total daily work hours, but not necessarily the number of hours worked during the week. The hours are concentrated into a shorter period of the day. For example, instead of working from 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM with a one-hour lunch break, employees may work from 8:00 AM to 3:00 PM with no break or a very short one.

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    What is NOT an Intensive Schedule

    Be careful! ❌ Let's not confuse terms. The summer intensive schedule is not the same as:

    A Reduction in Working Hours:

    The intensive schedule does not mean a reduction in the total number of hours worked per week; rather, the hours are worked without a break to make better use of the rest of the day. A reduction in working hours would, in any case, imply a reduction in salary.

    Salary Reduction:

    And vice versa. Implementing a summer intensive schedule should not be confused with a salary reduction. You will earn the same amount because you will work the same number of hours!

    Why Can Implementing an Intensive Work Schedule Be Beneficial for Your Company?

    Improvement in Employee Well-Being and Satisfaction

    Who wouldn’t love to have free summer afternoons to go to the beach or the pool? Thanks to the intensive schedule, employees are happier, less stressed, and have more time to balance their personal life.

    Increased Productivity

    Concentrating work hours in the morning makes us more productive. Also, knowing that we’ll have the afternoons off, we tend to manage our time better and be more efficient in our tasks.

    Economic Benefits of the Summer Intensive Work Schedule for the Company

    While many CEOs may fear the idea of an intensive schedule, they may be convinced once they realize that, in addition to improving employee well-being, they will also see economic benefits.

    Reduction in Air Conditioning Costs

    One of the main advantages of the summer intensive schedule is that it reduces activity during the hottest hours of the day. What does this mean? We can save on air conditioning costs.

    Reduction in Other Operational Costs

    The fewer employees there are in the office during peak hours, the lower the operational costs will be: the use of lighting, office supplies, and services.

    Increased Efficiency and Reduced Costs Due to Sick Leave

    By improving employee well-being, sick leave due to stress or work-related illnesses can be reduced.

    Is There Legislation and Regulation for the Summer Intensive Work Schedule?

    Current Labor Legislation:

    Although the summer intensive schedule is not explicitly outlined in the Workers' Statute, it must comply with existing labor regulations regarding working hours, breaks, and working conditions.

    Collective Agreements and Bargaining:

    Many collective agreements already include provisions about the summer intensive work schedule. These agreements, negotiated between unions and employers, can provide a clear framework for implementing this schedule in a way that benefits both parties.

    How to Implement the Summer Intensive Work Schedule?

    Planning by Departments:

    If you are an HR professional, you need to consider how each department will adapt to the intensive schedule. Not all departments can have the same flexibility, so it’s important to identify specific needs and create a plan that allows everyone to benefit from this schedule without affecting the operation of the business.

    Adaptation to Business Needs:

    Each business has unique needs, and it’s essential to adapt the intensive schedule to these needs. This may involve adjusting customer service hours, coordinating with suppliers and partners, and ensuring that critical projects and tasks are properly managed.

    Monitoring and Tracking Results:

    If you implement this new schedule, we recommend conducting monitoring. This can include evaluating productivity, employee satisfaction, and the impact on operational costs. Ask for feedback and make necessary adjustments to maximize the benefits of the summer intensive work schedule.

    Flexible Hours, with Even More Flexible Workspaces!

    The summer intensive work schedule has proven to be a successful initiative for both employees and the company. Want to take flexibility one step further and discover the benefits of flexible working? Set up your business in one of Lexington’s coworking spaces in Madrid or Barcelona! Our spaces are designed to enhance the productivity and well-being of all users. Fill out the form, and we’ll contact you with more information ⬇️

    Written by

    Nuria Nieva
    Nuria Nieva

    She is the most methodical animal lover ever in Lexington! We are positive that our Chief Accounting Officer is the best in everything she does. There is nothing out there she would overlook or leave out of her balance sheet! We all envy her organizational methods, honestly. Her good mornings are our daily dose of motivation!

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