The next evolution in flexible working - "chronoworking".
"As I sip on my coffee, I enjoy the peace of the house before the family awakens and the day fully begins. It is not light yet, and I consider going to the gym or for a walk, or meditating. But the reality is, that mornings are my best time to be creative. I am most efficient and energised just after that first morning coffee. It isn’t always a priority, or possible, but when I do get these little windows, I know that the best way for me to use this time is to write.
What I also know, is that this ability to be productive at this hour, speaks to my chronotype. That is, the natural way my individual body and energy levels fluctuate throughout the day."
- Stephanie Thompson, Workplace Mental Health Advisor, SuperFriend
What is chronoworking?
Chronoworking is a relatively new term and novel approach to workplace flexibility, focusing on aligning work schedules with an individual’s natural circadian rhythms rather than adhering to the traditional 9 to 5 model. This trend, coined by British journalist Ellen Scott, recognizes the varying energy levels and productivity peaks of individuals throughout the day. The benefit being is that it enables people some control in when they get work done, and what kind of work they do at times that suit them and their energy levels.
Chronoworking essentially is a blend of flexibility and high performance, offering more than just freedom for its own sake. It allows individuals to integrate and balance their personal lives with their work seamlessly, optimising their productivity according to their unique rhythms. For some, creativity peaks in the afternoon after a slow morning start, while others find their energy surging only after their kids are in bed. By recognising and encouraging these diverse patterns, we can help people perform at their best when it suits them most.
There are many caveats around this approach being successful and unfortunately, there are industries and work types that are not compatible with chronoworking including shift work.
How to make chronoworking possible?
The most important principles required to make chronoworking achievable is self awareness and trust. In some cases, it will be important to establish a relationship with your team and manager where you can safely reflect on your chronotype and discuss how you can make these times work for yourself and your team. Transparency and communication are key to making the most out of this way of working. Individuals still need to prioritise work outcomes and team approaches.
What are the key characteristics of chronoworking?
- Circadian rhythm alignment: chronoworking aims to structure work hours around the times when employees are naturally most productive. This approach leverages the natural fluctuations in energy and alertness levels to enhance overall efficiency and job satisfaction.
- Global workforce adaptability: in a world where remote work across different time zones is becoming more common, chronoworking offers a practical solution. It encourages workplaces to adopt flexible schedules that can accommodate the diverse time zones and personal productivity cycles of their global teams.
- Enhanced flexibility: chronoworking is part of a broader trend towards flexible work arrangements, including hybrid models, remote work, compressed work weeks, and customisable shift schedules. These flexible options are designed to attract and retain talent, improve employee satisfaction, and expand the talent pool.
Our data on flexible work:
SuperFriend Indicators of a Thriving Workplace data indicates that the majority of Australian workers are working fully onsite (69.5%), with 18.5% working in a hybrid working arrangement, and 12% working fully remotely or offsite.
The survey’s Work Design score reflects the extent to which work design is managed as a psychosocial hazard (PSH), with higher scores representing better management of the PSH. When work arrangements were considered, those working either fully remotely or in hybrid work arrangements scored better on Work Design than those working fully onsite (see graph below).
Other relevant survey findings include:
New World of Work Survey reports that nearly 45% of businesses are incorporating staggered or flexible work schedules in the post-COVID era.
Mercer's US Flexible Working Policies & Practices Survey highlights the diverse range of flexible working options being adopted, such as four-day workweeks, variable shifts, and employee-selected schedules.
A McKinsey and Ipsos Study found that 58% of Americans have the opportunity to work from home at least one day a week, with 35% having the option to work remotely full-time.
Argument against the hybrid model and the traditional office return
Chronoworking presents a compelling argument against the push for returning to a strict hybrid or 9-5 office model. Workplaces advocating for these traditional structures may face resistance as employees increasingly recognise the benefits of working during their peak productivity times. The rigid 9-5 schedule often disregards individual differences in energy levels and productivity, potentially leading to decreased job satisfaction and efficiency.
By contrast, chronoworking offers a more personalised approach, aligning work with natural rhythms and creating higher productivity, autonomy and staff morale. In recent years there has been a lot of talk about burn out, and the way it can manifest. The Indicators of a Thriving Workplace (2023) showed that 1 in 3 Australian workers reported at least one symptom of burnout, with youngest workers being the most vulnerable. Our latest figures for early data collection in 2024 indicate that 1 in 2 workers in Gens Y and Z are either at risk or experiencing burnout currently.
Could offering workers more control over their schedules reduce their likelihood of burnout? With 63% of workers attributing their burnout to workplace conditions, it is clear that more needs to be done to address this issue. 
“Experiencing burnout myself…it brings with it a deep lack of motivation, inspiration, energy and physical/emotional/mental capacity. An overall sense of overwhelming fatigue, in yourself, in your work and in general life. It’s a slippery slope to falling into depression, and it impacts upon every aspect of your wellbeing.”
–Millennial working in preschool education based in Melbourne.
Considerations for chronoworking
For individuals choosing to work diverse hours, managing self care and maintaining boundaries is crucial:
- Set clear boundaries: Establishing specific start and end times for work helps prevent overworking and ensures personal time is protected.
- Prioritising self care: Incorporating breaks, physical activity, and personal interests into the daily schedule can enhance overall well-being.
- Effective communication: Clearly communicating availability to colleagues and supervisors helps manage expectations and maintain work-life balance. Communicating above boundaries with people you work with is also essential – explaining that just because one person sends an email at 6am, doesn’t mean you need to read it!
How workplaces can implement chronoworking:
- Establish clear expectations: Clearly communicate work schedule options and expectations to employees.
- Provide necessary infrastructure: Ensure the right tools and systems are in place to support flexible schedules without compromising productivity.
- Support new recruits: Facilitate in-office time for new employees to help them build relationships and integrate into the company culture.
Chronoworking represents a significant shift in how workplaces approach work schedules, focusing on aligning them with individual productivity peaks. As businesses continue to navigate the post-pandemic landscape, adopting flexible work models could be key to maintaining high levels of employee satisfaction and productivity. This approach challenges the traditional hybrid or 9-5 office models by emphasising personalised work schedules that align with natural rhythms, ultimately building an autonomous and productive workforce.
Want to understand more about workplace mental health trends? Download our Indicators of a Thriving Workplace 2023 Key Insights Report.
Interested in a holistic overview of your workers' actual mental health and want to reveal the gaps, strengths and protective factors in your workplace? Check out the Thriving Workplace Index.
