Is the traditional 9-5 working day burning out?

Something that caught our eye recently was the traditional 9-5 working day potentially being on its way out. Prior to the Covid-19 pandemic, this way of work was fast becoming untenable for employees and the last 18 months or so have seen a modernised working pattern that better meets demand.

So, is the traditional 9-5 working day burning out? Express Refreshments explores the debate first captured in the New York Times and evaluates how the Micro Market solution is well suited for any potential changes you want to implement in your own workplace.

A greater focus on employee wellbeing.

Express Refreshments has long understood the importance of employee wellbeing and morale.

A big reason why the traditional 9-5 working day is being questioned is because it’s too rigid and allows zero flexibility for those who don’t work well that way. The key to productivity is a happy worker and so long as their work is getting done to a high level, does the actual working pattern really matter? Today, in the modern world, many employees would argue not.

Employees want to see that you understand their own needs and wants. Leaders may argue this risks staff having too much control to which they could possibly take advantage of, but it’s important to remember that your team genuinely are the heartbeat of your business. If you show them respect, it is very likely it’ll be returned tenfold.

A happy workforce is a motivated workforce and will say a lot about the culture of your business.

We’re not suggesting wholesale changes but adapting your workplace or working pattern to ensure your team are relaxed and comfortable will go a long way, particularly with some staff being fearful of returning to the office.

With the New York Times uncovering the detrimental impact of a 9-5 working pattern, where being tethered to our devices is unhealthy, is this first point of change?

Technology threatens the traditional 9-5.

Like most things in the world, technology can have a positive impact on workplace wellbeing. Flexible working has been proven to work throughout Covid, so if you’re reconsidering the traditional 9-5 then it’s good to know the world is ready for a modernised approach.

Video calling has brought us closer to our colleagues when we’re far away, whilst instant messaging also helps bring us to the centre of the action. This is useful when many employees have fears surrounding the return to work, or when your workplace still wants to limit the amount of people on site at any given time.

Of course, the workplace will remain a central hub for collaboration, but with the demand for flexible working growing stronger then you can easily adapt your environment to suit.

There are lots of facilities to think about, but here at Express Refreshments we focus on the value of workplace refreshments through our innovative Micro Market solution. Studies show that refreshments are a simple yet effective employee perk that matter, boosting morale, relationships, and productivity.

The Micro Market is the only workplace refreshment solution that offers 24/7 availability from an unmanned design, so you haven’t got to worry about your canteen being closed or your caterers having left for the day when staff arrive on site for their shift.

This means your team can grab a coffee or a bite to eat when they need to, ensuring your facilities work for them and not the other way around.

The Micro Market is designed, created, and maintained by us, meaning it will work for any available space. Telemetry allows us to see when your market needs restocking, so you haven’t got to worry about chasing us.