‘Microshifting’ is how work from home boosts productivity

Work smarter, not harder.

A new report has revealed that workers’ preference for a flexible remote work schedule continues well after the COVID-19 pandemic lockdowns.

Video conference tech company Owl Labs released its ninth annual State of Hybrid Work report, finding that 65% are interested in “microshifting” — described as “structured flexibility with short, non-linear work blocks matched to your energy, duties or productivity.”

This method allows workers to do their work when they’re most productive and not stress about personal productivity, reimagining the typical 9-to-5.

Microshifting entails splitting work into chunks while knocking out unrelated chores and errands in the in-between time.

Rather than sitting at a desk and toiling uninterrupted for eight hours, this method breaks up the workday into short, intense spurts of productivity.

For example, maybe you go through your inbox, then pause to take the dog for a walk; log on early to get a head start, then take a break for a workout class; or pick up the kids from school in the afternoon and push emails to the evening.

According to the report, managers are more than three times (79%) as likely to microshift their workday as their subordinates.

Additionally, caregivers are almost more than three times as likely to prefer microshifting as non-caregivers.

Gen Z and millennials are big fans of the microshifting idea, with nearly 7 in 10 sharing that they would prefer this work style.

The report found that most employees were willing to give up 9% of their annual salary in exchange for flexible working hours — and 8% for a four-day workweek.

“Microshifting is a great way for employees to balance their personal responsibilities alongside work,” Kickresume cofounder and CEO Peter Duris told Fast Company.

“If you have the option to work microshifts, it could be worth discussing with your manager. This may be especially game-changing for parents or carers.”

Microshifting is viewed as mini sprints of work rather than a chance to slack off and procrastinate. A good tip is to figure out what time of day you’re most productive and do your most important tasks then.

Previous research has shown that shorter, intentional work intervals help with attention span and productivity, preventing cognitive fatigue and sustaining the energy to grind in on the task at hand, and that hours clocked at work don’t necessarily equal productivity levels.

“Workplaces aren’t as rigid and structured as they once were,” Duris said. “Flexibility is one of the most common and sought-after perks in a job, whether that’s having the option to work from home or working flexible hours.”