Workers opt for chronoworking, skip 9-5 timings

As startups, production houses, and web developers increasingly embrace the concept to increase company revenue, it brings with it physical and mental health challenges like obesity, diabetes, anxiety, stress, and maintaining a work-life balance.

BodyTalk

The term ‘chronoworking’ was coined by British journalist Ellen Scott, who argued that reevaluating when people work is a natural evolution of discussions around workplace well-being. With the rise of remote working and flexible schedules post-pandemic, chronoworking has gained precedence in startups and corporate settings. Many freelancers in creative fields like content writing and graphic design prefer chronoworking. They align their work with their body’s natural rhythms. While some find their productivity peaks in the evenings, night owls thrive in the late hours. Sayan Maitra, partner, Digital Division Spark Economy Research Centre says that he hated mornings. “As long as deadlines are met, my bosses and I prioritise good outcomes over strict timetables,” says Sayan. He keeps track of a sleep schedule, makes sunlight exposure a priority, and follows regular exercise.

Corporate Nod

The 9-5 grind is infamous in the corporate world. However, many startups in India are listening to their employees and adopting chronoworking culture. Namita Sharma, founder, NiVa an AI-powered payment app says, “Figuring out how to collaborate with colleagues on different schedules takes work but open communication turns out to be fruitful. We squeeze in quick check-ins during core hours, follow up with detailed emails, and use communication tools for enhanced communication.” Namita Sharma, a chronoworker herself says, “Clear communication, realistic goals, and a disciplined team is enough to imbibe a sense of ownership where everyone feels invested in their work.”

Clients are becoming least bothered with the 5 pm deadlines. They want higher quality work. Sakshi Gupta, co-founder of Startupvisors, says, “A higher productivity is proportional to increased company revenue and employee satisfaction. We assign tasks with no fixed timing, allowing our team to work at their most productive hours. Deadlines are easily managed, and chronoworkers often complete tasks ahead of schedule, leveraging their optimal working times throughout the day.”

Uphill Task

While chronoworking may be the hottest workforce trend, allowing individuals to work during midnights or early mornings comes with a set of challenges. Without the strict discipline of sleep and wake-up schedule, chronoworkers face physical and mental health challenges like anxiety, stress, diabetes, and gut issues brought on by sleep deprivation.

Meera Jayaprakash, psychotherapist and founder at The Flashlight Psychotherapy says that when chronoworking is not aligned with our circadian rhythm, it affects almost every aspect of our health from food intake, energy levels, hormone secretion, sleep, emotional management and social life.

“Chronoworking also can be challenging when there needs to be collaboration between people, especially when one person’s highest productivity hour doesn’t align with another,” she says. Meera expands on how workplaces can support the mental health and well-being of chronoworking employees, “Keeping resources like nap rooms, healthy food, encouraging and scheduling short and long breaks at regular intervals and time management are beneficial.” Whether early birds or night owls, each team member can work during peak hours, maximising creativity and efficiency. Platforms like Slack facilitate real-time communication, ensuring instant connectivity regardless of time zones or work hours. Task management office tools enable transparent tracking of assignments, promoting accountability and collaboration. In-office workplaces can prioritise employee satisfaction and support the well-being of chronoworking employees by offering flexible scheduling within traditional office hours. By leveraging these communication and collaboration tools, chronoworkers can transcend temporal boundaries, cultivating a culture of productivity and synergy within the team.