Human Resource Blog

Fixed Work Week

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What is a fixed work week?

At most companies, it is an illusion! Sorry, that is a lame attempt at humor. A fixed work week usually refers to a set work schedule that does not vary from one week to the next. The shifts and hours remain the same.

Tommy is employed at a bank, where he works 10 am to 6 pm Monday through Friday. This is what most people mean by the phrase fixed work week — the hours and scheduled times are regular, and do not change from one week to the next. Tommy puts in 40 hours each week, and he works the same hours and days every week. This is a fixed work week. Sometimes employers will advertise a fixed 35 or 40 hour work week to attract employees.

This phrase is most often used in the negative, such as \\\\\\\”We do not offer a fixed work week…\\\\\\\” meaning that the employees schedule may change every week. Jan is a hotel front desk clerk. One week she may be on the 7 am to 3 pm shift, off on Thursday and Friday. The next week she may work 3 pm to 11 pm two days, and 11 pm to 7 am three days, with Monday and Tuesday off.

The important point to keep in mind is that even if the employer promises a fixed work week, they can change their mind at a later date.