Last summer, with the price of gasoline escalating, Utah became the first state to move to a mandatory four-day workweek for state employees. All employees, who do not work in 24-hour facilities work four 10-hour days, Monday through Thursday. On Fridays, state offices are closed.
Utah started the venture to save 20 percent of energy costs in state office buildings. This goal, however, has not been realized. The savings has only been 13 percent. According to Utah managers, energy savings has not yet been accomplished because of the challenges in managing large heating and air units to maximum efficiency in the new schedule.
The unintended savings has been in increased employee productivity. According to the Governor’s Office of Planning and Budget, employees are taking off less during the work week. With nine percent less time taken in leave compared to the two previous years.
The Governor’s Office also reports that 70 percent of Utah employees surveyed now say they prefer the four-day work week. State leaders in Utah will make the decision this summer whether to make a permanent change to a four-day work week.
Last summer, OPEA worked on an interim study about flexible scheduling with Representative Mike Shelton. Currently, some state agencies allow employees to work alternate schedules. However, state offices are still open Monday through Friday.
Posted on
Tue, April 21, 2009
by Trish Frazier