Academic

On August 4, Utah will become the first state to institute a mandatory four day work week for most of its employees.   This week Fairfax county in Virgina annouced announced plans to consider the four day work week.  This reflects a growing trend.  Many other local and county government as well as businesses have either already implemented or are considering a four day work week.  And although there are some downsides to the concept, a recently released Brigham Young University study of 15 cities indicates that the four day work week can be a win-win-win?generating positive benefits for businesses, employees, and residents.

For businesses, the four day work week enables them to reduce costs, while also apparently improving productivity.  Indeed, Utah hopes to save $3 million out of its $11 million budget by switching to the four day week.  By shutting down for one day, the four day week enables entities to save money on heating, air conditioning, and other operational costs.  The BYU study also suggests that the four day week increases workers productivity.  A four day work week generally means changing from five eight hour days to four ten hour days.  Some have expressed concern that this longer work day would translate into a decrease in productivity, particularly towards the end of the day.  Instead, the BYU study reveals that workers have been more productive.  Part of the reason may be that the three day weekend increases the likelihood that workers will start their work week refreshed and ready to go, thereby increasing their morale and efficiency.

For employees, the four day week enables them to cut down on gas prices associated with commuting.  To be sure, the four day work week can pose challenges for employees, particularly those that use public transportation and have child care arrangements that do not accommodate the longer work day.  Despite these challenges, the BYU study reveals that the four day week appears to enhance the work-life balance for many employees.  Indeed, four work days means three days at home, and often people can use their extra day to run errands or otherwise spend time with their family. 

Interesting, one of the biggest critics of the four day work week has been citizens concerned that the quality of services as well as access to services would decline with a four day work week.  The BYU study found, however, that on the whole people believed that the quality of services had improved with the four day week?perhaps because employees are happier!  Another issue for citizens is that many have come to rely on five days of access.  Some agencies have responded to this concern by remaining open five days, which means that not every employee has the same day off. Others, like Utah, keep a few emergency services available five days a week, but otherwise close down on Friday.  Thus, citizens have to get use to planning around less daily access, but longer hours during the day?potentially not such a bad trade-off.

Another ?win? for the four day week is the environment.  Indeed, environmentalists argue that reducing the work week means fewer cars on the road which translates into a reduction in greenhouse gas emissions and other air pollutants.  It also means less exposure to such pollution.

Thus, the four day work week is actually a win-win-win-win, which is why you see more and more entities, employees, environmentalists and even citizens urging their government to shorten the work week.