Comments about ‘Huntsman: State workers to have four-day work weeks’

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Published: Thursday, June 26 2008 12:40 p.m. MDT

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TheActuary

Politics aside--I'm excited to be able to get off of my regular 8-5 job and still be able to go to the DMV or other state offices after work.

The article forgot one thing...

It's also great for the employees who have to commute--for them it's one less day of driving and wasting time on the roads.

service won't change

Most gov't employees don't do any work on fridays anyway, even if they are at their job, so this won't make much difference.

(I know this because I'm a state employee and I see it every week).

RE: service won't change

You missed the point this isn't about service. It is about saving resources for both the state and it's employees. I would personally like working 4 days a week instead of 5.

Re: to service won't change

I don't know what office you work in, but maybe you should try doing something about it. I know we work 8-5 everyday of the week, don't make accussations about departments you don't work in.

Lady L

Does this mean that the DMV will only be open Monday through Thursday? If so that means that those of us who work Monday through Friday will have to take time off to renew drivers licenses and vehicles. We all know that the employees are not going to work later, so they will just go in earlier and be off by five or six. I dont know about all of you but I dont get off work early enough to make it by six to the DMV.

ST. George

This should be mandated for all Government and Businesses, except resturants, entertainment, hotels, etc.

Anonymous

The obvious concern is about lack of productivity. I would bet that less will be accomplished in 4, 10-hr work days, then 5, 8-hr work days. If the government in turn has to hire one additional person, more than the entire savings of those 6 buildings will be gone once including salaries, benefits, health care etc.

Gas Savings

Think of all the gas saved by commuting 1 less day per week. That is 50 trips per year saved per person. That is a lot of gas. I think the biggest benefit will be if the state becomes an example to the private sector. If all regular 9-5 types went into work 1 less day per week, that is millions of barrels of oil saved.


Concerned

Great....I thought government employees were cranky now! I can't imagine what they will be like at the end of a 10 hour shift! I am scared to go to the DMV!

Anonymous

It's certainly worth a try. Another option is to work nine 9-hour days, taking every other Friday off.

In Addition

Not only will thousands of state workers not be on the road on Fridays, but when they are on the road it will be before and after rush hour. This will be great all the way around. Great move. Might as well try it.

Travis

I think this will be best for everyone.

Wow...

lucky employees. Come and work, out in the oil patch and you will appreciate what the Governor is trying to do...

Re: Anonymous

I work for a school district and already work four 10's. We actually get more "hands on" time because we keep working 2 hours after the first 8, and don't have to waste time booting up the computer, getting the day going, etc. It is a much more efficient way to work, and after a 3 day weekend, workers are a lot more rested and ready to go. It is a huge morale boost as well - I would recommend it!!

Another Idea

They should also lower the state retirement years to 20 years of service. Because after 20 years, the old employees come in late, stand around and gab, take 2 hour lunches, then make up for it by going home early. I see this every day in many agencies.

RE: Concerned

Just think how much happier they will be having a three day weekend EVERY Week.

Dooku

I think the Governor needs to extend this to the private sector too with the exceptions of places like hospitals, grocery stores, airports etc. I think it will benefit everybody and the resources too.

utard

There will be a pretty hard adjustment period for the state employees. That's two less hours a day spent with family. At least the governor is trying to do something and I applaud him for it.

west valley

West Valley City has been doing this for year.

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