Another significant advantage will be the state's ability to attract and recruit the best and brightest of the emerging work force who are looking to be innovative and creative and equally value time away from work to be refreshed.

Certainly there are potential issues the state is proactively addressing in the path of the Working 4 Utah implementation. Concerns such as child care, transportation and other obligations like school and jobs have topped the list for employees.

We are working with the Utah Transit Authority to seek better access to public transportation to accommodate the new government hours. There are services available to state employees to help them find access to child care with extended hours.

Managers have been directed to provide flexibility, especially in this transition time period, to give employees ample time and opportunity to adjust to the new schedule. Fortunately, in an overall survey of state employees, more than 80 percent believe there to be multiple advantages to this new schedule.

It takes time to adjust to changes. We want to ensure the public is well served by state government. As the public adjusts to the idea of government services being closed on Friday, we will provide a Working 4 Utah ombudsman hotline for anyone seeking government services on Fridays to call for guidance on what can be done online or how to expedite their request within the confines of the new schedule.

The ombudsman will be available until January and can be reached at 801-538-1808.

This is a pilot program that will be in place for one year with reviews to make sure the public is receiving the services it needs, the energy savings are being realized and employees are satisfied with the new schedule.

Innovation does not exist in maintaining the status quo. While states, counties and cities throughout the rest of the country are studying ideas and contemplating action, it takes leadership to act. Utahns should be proud to know Huntsman is helping Utah move forward in an effort better serve you.

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Jeff Herring is executive director of the Utah Department of Human Resources.