The Case for Designing Work Around Circadian Rhythms

In this episode of HBR IdeaCast, hosts Alison Beard and Adi Ignatius explore the science and practical application of aligning work schedules with employees' natural circadian rhythms. Drawing on insights from Stefan Volk, professor at the University of Sydney Business School and author of the HBR article 'Tapping Into Your Team's Circadian Rhythms,' the conversation reveals that circadian rhythms—internal biological clocks regulated by light and darkness—significantly impact cognitive performance, emotional regulation, and decision-making. The episode challenges the traditional 9-to-5 work model, arguing that forcing people to work during their biological troughs leads to reduced productivity, increased errors, and team conflict. Instead, leaders are encouraged to identify team members' chronotypes (morning, evening, or intermediate types) and strategically schedule high-stakes tasks during peak hours, while reserving low-energy times for routine work. The discussion emphasizes that while circadian rhythms are biologically stable and hard to change, organizations can create flexible work structures—such as core collaboration hours from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. with flexible start/end times—to honor individual rhythms without sacrificing team coordination. Real-world examples from Trivago and Citigroup demonstrate measurable improvements in performance and employee well-being when these principles are applied. The episode concludes with actionable takeaways for leaders: prioritize challenging work during personal peaks, avoid scheduling critical meetings in the early afternoon (a known circadian dip), and foster team conversations about chronotypes to build empathy and optimize workflows. The hosts express strong support for the approach, with Adi affirming his preference for nighttime productivity and committing to lead by example. The overall tone is optimistic and empowering, advocating for a more human-centered approach to work that enhances both performance and well-being.