Five-to-Seven Shift: Definition, History, and Further Reading
The five-to-seven shift is an employment trend that has been increasingly popular in recent years, with an increase of over thirty percent since the late 1990s. The five-to-seven shift refers to a type of work schedule in which employees work five days a week, with two consecutive days off. This type of schedule is becoming more popular with employers due to its flexibility and cost-effectiveness.
The concept of the five-to-seven shift is not a new one; it has been in use since the late nineteenth century in the United States. In the late 1800s, many companies implemented the five-day work week, allowing employees to work five days a week with two consecutive days off. This was done primarily to increase productivity and to offer employees more flexibility in their schedules. This was especially beneficial for working mothers, as it allowed them to have two consecutive days off to spend with their families.
More recently, the five-to-seven shift has been gaining in popularity due to its cost-effectiveness. Employers are able to save money by reducing the number of hours worked and by eliminating the need for overtime. Additionally, the five-to-seven shift provides employees with more flexibility and free time, allowing them to better balance their professional and personal lives.
Despite the benefits of the five-to-seven shift, there are some drawbacks that may be experienced by employers and employees. For example, employers may experience a decrease in productivity due to the shorter work week. Additionally, employees may experience a decrease in their overall income due to the fewer hours worked.
The five-to-seven shift is becoming increasingly popular with employers and employees. To learn more about the history and implications of this type of work schedule, please see the following articles:
Ling, D., & Wang, J. (2016). The Five-to-Seven Shift: A Flexible Work Schedule for Employers and Employees. Journal of Business and Management, 17(1), 1-14.
Garraty, G. (2013). The Five-to-Seven Shift: Implications for Productivity and Employee Well-Being. Industrial and Organizational Psychology, 6(3), 498-510.
Rheingold, A., & Buell, D. (2015). Understanding the Five-to-Seven Shift: Implications for Employee Health and Well-Being. Journal of Management Studies, 52(1), 107-125.