Of Owls and Larks How Chronoworking takes
Advantage of Individual
Biorhythms

Chronoworking: What is this Concept All About?

Chronoworking is all about the internal clock. Among other things, this clock regulates the sleep-wake cycle, hormone production, and energy levels throughout the day. It also influences, for example, the daily regulation of body temperature.

The chronoworking work model takes these biological differences into account and allows employees to flexibly adjust their working hours to align with their personal peak performance times. They are not guided by strict guidelines (such as the so-called “nine-to-five” model), but rather by each individual’s unique circadian rhythm. As a result, some employees may boot up their computers as early as 5:30 a.m. and then wrap up their workday relatively early. Others, on the other hand, may not start until 10 a.m. and work into the evening hours.

Owls and Larks - the Different Chronotypes

In chronoworking, a distinction is primarily made between two different chronotypes.

• The lark (“morning person”) 🐦: People who belong to this chronotype are usually full of energy early in the morning and feel like they can take on the world. They are particularly productive in the morning, but their energy starts to wane earlier in the evening.

• The owl (“evening type”) 🦉: Unlike the lark, people who belong to the owl chronotype usually have a hard time getting going in the morning. They perform significantly better in the afternoon - and can often even work productively late into the night.

Most people cannot be clearly assigned to a single chronotype. That’s why there’s also what’s known as the “mixed type,” which combines characteristics of both the lark and the owl.

• The third bird (“mixed type”) 🕊️: For the third bird, energy levels are distributed very evenly throughout the day. There are often two peaks of concentration during which particularly high productivity can be achieved. One usually occurs in the morning and the second in the early afternoon.

In addition, there are also irregular types who cannot be classified as any of the chronotypes and exhibit a highly fluctuating daily rhythm. They adapt well to changing circumstances and have no problem doing so. For example, they don’t mind working shifts.

How can you find out what your Chronotype is?

A person’s chronotype is primarily determined by genetic predisposition (40 to 60 percent) and can only be changed to a limited extent. However, it can automatically adapt over the course of a person’s life due to various factors, such as age and exposure to light.

To get an initial idea of your chronotype, you can start by observing and recording your sleep patterns. To do this, try not setting an alarm clock (if possible, for several days or even weeks). The regular times at which you fall asleep and wake up roughly reflect your natural sleep-wake rhythm. You can use sleep diaries or fitness trackers to record your sleep duration and sleep times.

In addition, you can also observe your own work habits and ability to concentrate, asking yourself the following questions:

Which tasks do you find easiest to do at what time of day? When do you find it most difficult to tackle complex tasks? When are you able to concentrate best?

For even more accurate results, there are also scientifically validated methods you can use to determine your chronotype.

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Productivity, Work-life Balance, and Employee Retention: The Benefits of Chronoworking

Both employees and companies benefit from this work model:

Benefits for Employees

• Higher productivity: Challenging or creative tasks can be completed during periods when concentration is at its peak, while routine tasks can be scheduled for times when performance is slightly lower.
• Improved employee well-being: Chronoworking reduces employees’ mental exhaustion and stress levels. It can also improve sleep quality, mental health, and physical well-being, as employees no longer have to fight against their natural circadian rhythm.
• Better work-life balance: Chronoworking offers employees a high degree of flexibility with their time, allowing them to plan their free time much more freely and creatively. For example, it’s possible to go to the gym in the morning to avoid the crowded rush hour. Personal commitments can also be integrated into the daily routine with much greater independence.
• Greater satisfaction and motivation: When employees can adjust their work hours to align with their personal peak performance times, this often boosts their motivation. This, in turn, leads to greater commitment and more fun at work - and often to a stronger sense of identification with the company.
• Increased creativity and innovation: Creative tasks can be specifically tackled during individual peak performance periods.

Benefits for Companies

• Greater employee retention: Flexible work schedules such as chronoworking make a company more attractive - both to potential new employees who might apply and to current employees. This is because satisfied employees tend to stay with the company longer.
• Higher-quality work: Employees complete their tasks during the time slots when their productivity and concentration are at their highest. This reduces the error rate and can also improve the quality of their work.

The Key Requirements for Successful Collaboration

• Digital platforms and cloud technologies: The first requirement for chronoworking to be possible at all is that your company uses digital platforms, cloud technologies, and effective communication tools. This is the only way to ensure that all employees can securely access the necessary data at any time.
• Specific agreements and rules for collaboration: There should be clear agreements - for example, regarding availability - which are best documented in writing. This helps prevent misunderstandings and unnecessary problems.
• Mutual understanding and trust: Chronoworking requires a culture of trust. The focus should always be on work results rather than mere presence.
• Transparent communication: To prevent misunderstandings when employees work on a shared task at different times, open communication and careful documentation are very important.
• Employee self-organization: Employees must be able to plan their work hours independently, set reasonable priorities, and reliably complete their tasks.

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Chronoworking: A Work Model with a Future?

Chronoworking often benefits both sides: Employees experience greater flexibility and a better work-life balance and face less stress in their day-to-day work. And the company benefits from higher productivity, better work outcomes, and greater employee retention.

However, the model is not suitable for every industry or every type of work. Especially when work is tied to fixed opening or production hours, or involves direct contact with customers, chronoworking can often only be implemented to a limited extent. In addition, digital technologies, firm agreements, transparency, and clear communication are essential.

Where these conditions are met, however, chronoworking can certainly make sense for many companies. Instead of aligning working hours with rigid guidelines, the focus shifts to the individual and their unique circadian rhythm. This is an aspect that is becoming increasingly important in light of the transformation of the world of work. Digitalization and flexibility will continue to be game changers in companies in the future.