Cheyenne Roche: It's time to leave the traditional 9-5 in the past

Mar. 14—For many years, folks were like Dolly Parton — "on the job from 9-5." Now, though, the traditional work schedule is being left in the past as alternative schedules, remote work and hybrid office models take over.

When I started here at the CNA, it was the closest I'd ever been to a "9-5″ job. It was more like 7:30 and it went until random times depending on meetings and such, but it was just Monday through Friday.

Now our schedule couldn't be described even if I wanted to: every day is different, and we are definitely here on the weekends. During wrestling tournament season, I think I work more during the weekends than in the week.

Many jobs are opting into four 10-hour days as opposed to five eight-hour days. Similarly, some more high stress occupations like nursing and law enforcement have looked at three 12-hour shifts.

What's interesting is the five-day week really only made an appearance in American labor law in the 1930s, after decades of striking by labor activists who were tired of working the 14-hour days demanded by some employers. The schedule was a way for them to "gain time back."

Some think cutting to a four- or three-day work week is because of "laziness." People love to call the Millennial and Gen Z generations lazy. But the hours remain close, if not the same, and studies show productivity increases.

Scientific American says, "Working four days instead of five—with the same pay—leads to improved well-being among employees without damaging the company's productivity."

According to surveys of four-day work week participants, 71% of respondents reported lower levels of burnout and 39% reported being less stressed than when they began the test. Companies experienced 65% fewer sick and personal days. The number of resignations dropped by more than half, compared with an earlier six-month period. Despite employees logging fewer work hours, companies' revenues barely changed during the test period. In fact, they actually increased slightly, by 1.4% on average.

As adults, we are largely able to make decisions in our employment based on factors important to us. For example, if you wanted remote work, you could apply only for those positions. If a four-day work week is better for your mental health and ability to maintain a family, you could opt for somewhere with that schedule.

This only extends so far. If you are set on a certain field, only some options may apply. My husband can't have weekends and holidays off and be a police officer. I can't be a sports reporter and expect to be home for supper every evening. But we have the ability to make choices where we can.

Kids on the other hand, aren't typically given a choice. Recently, a wave of four-day school weeks has hit the Midwest. Last year Murray made the change as one of many who have adapted over the past decade.

Now, East Union is looking at making the change, and people have big opinions. I'm not here to comment on whether or not East Union or Creston should adopt the four-day school week. But I would like to address one of the comment themes made about the potential change.

Some people believe having a four-day school week is going to not prepare students for the "real world," including the five-day work week. Now obviously we just discussed how the five-day work week isn't a standard anymore, but let's talk about how students are actually very prepared.

To even sway it further from my point, let's take a look at a four-day school week and assume that on the one extra day, the student is doing absolutely nothing but laying in bed, eating candy and playing video games. I think that's what some people imagine when they hear four-day school week. The reality is it's an extra day to work, finish schoolwork and — God forbid — relax.

So Monday they have no school, and the student does nothing productive all day. They have that day completely off. Tuesday through Friday, the student is in school, approximately 30 minutes longer than they were previously.

After school, the student has an extra curricular activity — maybe a sport or one of the arts. If they're like me in high school, they have both. If there's no game or performance that evening, they can be home by 6 or 7 p.m., just in time for dinner and homework, though the arts can run much later. If they do have a game or event, they could be traveling as far as Denison, hoping to be home before the clock strikes midnight.

On Saturday they likely have something to do with their extra curricular. Again, this will likely require travel. That evening, they need to get their work hours in. Saturday evening and Sunday are spent at their job. Yes, some students don't have jobs, but in a low income area like Creston, you'll find more that do.

I remember being in high school and college thinking some day I will get to be in the "real world" and have days off. I won't be just school, activities and work with no break.

I spent all day Saturday doing nothing. I went shopping, read a book, watched TV and did absolutely nothing around the house. That's something I could never say I did during high school or college. Give these kids some credit. Just because they may not pay bills or work at a factory doesn't mean they aren't accustomed to hard work.