Reader comments
Governor cuts energy usage
31 comments | Read story
SLC'er | 12:14 a.m. June 27, 2008
this is a good call. People can be productive from home if they need to on
fridays, the web is wonderful. Plus it saves some tax payer money. Great work
Guvnah. You'll keep getting my vote.
Great move | 12:23 a.m. June 27, 2008
not only will some state offices now have better hours for Joe or Jane average
to get service, energy will be saved AND traffic will get double relief -- less
trafffic spread over more hours. Now if half of the federal government's 2+
million workers would do the same, as well as other state governments, there
would be a real savings!
erdaite | 12:29 a.m. June 27, 2008
I think this is a great idea. A 10 hour day is really no big deal. The day off
will result in my benefits for everyone. I for one an glad to see this happen!!
Comments continue below
jdegaston | 12:55 a.m. June 27, 2008
Great idea, but it also is inconvenient for people doing business with
government offices who cannot do so on Friday. It not only saves the State
energy costs but it also cuts down on transportation costs (energy) for the
workers.
If it is great for government workers, how about letting our students, higher & lower education students, enjoy 3 day weekends. As a former school teacher it seemed that Friday wasn't a great day for learning anyway.
Think of the benefits for families to be able to spend more time together, with lower taxes perhaps for less energy use by government.
And perhaps it might be even better if buildings were only open three days per week, and students and workers left home only three days per week, but perhaps we would approach burnout those three days.
It seems to be win-win, but shouldn't we possibly consider the negatives also? Maybe not, since most of us would like to commute less and have longer weekends.
How about some research on the benefits and drawbacks before we put all of society on a four-day week? Or maybe not, since ignorance could really be bliss on this one.
If it is great for government workers, how about letting our students, higher & lower education students, enjoy 3 day weekends. As a former school teacher it seemed that Friday wasn't a great day for learning anyway.
Think of the benefits for families to be able to spend more time together, with lower taxes perhaps for less energy use by government.
And perhaps it might be even better if buildings were only open three days per week, and students and workers left home only three days per week, but perhaps we would approach burnout those three days.
It seems to be win-win, but shouldn't we possibly consider the negatives also? Maybe not, since most of us would like to commute less and have longer weekends.
How about some research on the benefits and drawbacks before we put all of society on a four-day week? Or maybe not, since ignorance could really be bliss on this one.
Anonymous | 1:01 a.m. June 27, 2008
How about doing the same with our schools?
Everyone would benefit by staying off the school bus for one day a week.
We could all spend more time with our families.
Win-win for everyone!
Everyone would benefit by staying off the school bus for one day a week.
We could all spend more time with our families.
Win-win for everyone!
Tom | 2:19 a.m. June 27, 2008
Who wants to stay at work until 7:00 pm?
NightOwls | 7:03 a.m. June 27, 2008
Night owls would be willing to work 10-7. I know I would.
jr | 7:06 a.m. June 27, 2008
It will work for some and not others and those who have been taking public
transportation will now have to drive everday because the buses either
don't run earlier enough or late enough for some commuters. Longer work
days makes it impossible to attend night classes or keep secondary jobs -
There's pros and cons for all but I don't think the Gov should have
done it without surveying the State Employees. He sent out a 4 question survey
earlier this week then announces his plans. The survey did not cover peoples
life away from the job, ie. family, schooling or secondary employement so was
not really affective or honest
Dave | 7:42 a.m. June 27, 2008
Studies and my own personal experiance shows that after 8 working hours you get
very little work done, and mistakes go up. However, with government, this will
not be noticable.
Anonymous | 7:54 a.m. June 27, 2008
The gov didn't get any input from our agency. Our agency tried four tens
five years ago and notice a decrease in productivity and higher potential for
burnout. Also it makes it difficult to take public transportation which so many
public employees rely on. Not to mention the parents that have to pick up their
kids. The approach by the gov is if you don't like it find something else.
This is just one more sign that the gov doesn't care or value public
employees, after all he is trying to take away the merit system and chipping
away at all of our benefits. Most people don't know but turnover of public
employees has been the highest under our good gov.
Dot | 7:57 a.m. June 27, 2008
I'm confused! How is this saving energy. 10 hour days. No Fridays. The days
they are open LONGER to make up for Friday, isn't that burning the energy
that Friday would save? It's true however, it saves on gas.
Millie | 8:05 a.m. June 27, 2008
I look forward to it for myself. However parents with kids (esp single women)
will have difficulties because of sports practices, school activities, daycare
constraints, etc. HOpefully there will be flexibility for parents.
Anonymous | 8:13 a.m. June 27, 2008
We can't complain about excessive energy use, protecting the environment,
saving on resources, reducing gas and transportation crowding without being
willing to take creative and sometimes difficult measures to make the
difference. I notice that many people talk a lot about "doing
something" but when an effort is made to do this, all we hear is how this
will disrupt someone's schedule. You can't have it both ways.
Fortunately for consumers, many services can be easily handled online - Utah has
an award-winning site. The public would love for some departments to be open
24/7 but they certainly don't want to pay for such convenience in the form
of taxes. So, if the Governor can think outside the box, save millions of tax
dollars and avoid increasing taxes while helping the environment and the
employees' pocketbooks, he should be applauded. We all know that
creativity is not what government is known for. This shows a very progressive
state. Yes, there are challenges and I believe he is sensitive to it. In the
private sector employees are also subject to such decisions from top level
management even without input (no doubt surveys would be nice). They do what
they deem best.
Confused | 8:18 a.m. June 27, 2008
Tom and Nightowls,
Where did you get 7:00 p.m.? The work week would be from 7:00 AM to 6:00 PM..
Where did you get 7:00 p.m.? The work week would be from 7:00 AM to 6:00 PM..
Anonymous | 8:22 a.m. June 27, 2008
I agree, the schools should do this too. Families should be encouraged. The
kids get too much homework and time for outside activities, religious
participation, sports and family time is rare. We would benefit society by
creating a three day weekend for family time and then the families would truly
use it for such. More can be accomplished in families than any school ever
thought about. We should value having balance in our lives at every level.
Also, the extended day will compensate for the access even better than having Fridays open for business as many people request earlier or later times but government offices are historically 8 to 5.
Saving energy is everyone's business and it will take some sacrifice on the part of all. Way to go Utah!
Also, the extended day will compensate for the access even better than having Fridays open for business as many people request earlier or later times but government offices are historically 8 to 5.
Saving energy is everyone's business and it will take some sacrifice on the part of all. Way to go Utah!
Better idea | 8:43 a.m. June 27, 2008
How about we let government employees work 4 days a week, 8 hours a day?
That's a 32 hour week.
- Taxpayers save money because most government employees are hourly.....we're paying 20% less wages.
- There's less time for those government employees to screw us over.
It's a win/win!
- Taxpayers save money because most government employees are hourly.....we're paying 20% less wages.
- There's less time for those government employees to screw us over.
It's a win/win!
re: Dot | 8:44 a.m. June 27, 2008
One huge savings beyond the gas is the electricity saved during the hottest part
of the day (2-4 pm). Those A/C units crank out a lot of energy during those
hours, but not as much during the gov's changes.
...That is true for summer months anyway. During the winter I guess you'd get the opposite effect and energy costs would increase.
...That is true for summer months anyway. During the winter I guess you'd get the opposite effect and energy costs would increase.
Jack | 9:06 a.m. June 27, 2008
Schools included; are you serious? You really think kids can stay focused for
10 hours? It's hard enough for 8 hours. No way on schools. And for the guy
who got confused about 7:00 pm; you get off work at 6, but you won't be
home till 7 if you drive anywhere to work. It will really be 12 hours days for
many people.
I.E. Better Idea | 9:11 a.m. June 27, 2008
Where do you get the idea that "government employees screw everyone
over?"
My husband, father and sister all work for the state.
These employees work hard, my husband puts in 60 + hr work weeks at times so that you will have safe roads to drive on. My father investigates fraud in the medical community, keeping you and I and everyone safe from medical staff that would do everyone a lot of harm. My sister helps keep the computers in the state offices up and running to ease communication flow.
These employees work hard! They could work outside of the state and earn much more, but chose the state because they love what they do!
Show a little respect, for these great employees!
My husband, father and sister all work for the state.
These employees work hard, my husband puts in 60 + hr work weeks at times so that you will have safe roads to drive on. My father investigates fraud in the medical community, keeping you and I and everyone safe from medical staff that would do everyone a lot of harm. My sister helps keep the computers in the state offices up and running to ease communication flow.
These employees work hard! They could work outside of the state and earn much more, but chose the state because they love what they do!
Show a little respect, for these great employees!
BH | 9:32 a.m. June 27, 2008
Way to go, Gov.
Now, take the next step, and ask the legislature to pass a resolution, encouraging all state industries to take similar measures wherever possible.
And here is a novel idea. Let's also encourage all retail businesses to close one day a week. Oh, wait! The Old Testament already made that suggestion. But, hey, maybe this energy crisis is a great reason to get back to it.
Now, take the next step, and ask the legislature to pass a resolution, encouraging all state industries to take similar measures wherever possible.
And here is a novel idea. Let's also encourage all retail businesses to close one day a week. Oh, wait! The Old Testament already made that suggestion. But, hey, maybe this energy crisis is a great reason to get back to it.
Dave | 9:43 a.m. June 27, 2008
Employees who are not burning energy at work will be burning energy at home.
The same if not more energy will be used. People still drive on their days off.
Can't Wait | 10:04 a.m. June 27, 2008
As a state employee who has enjoyed the "four-tens" schedule
elsewhere, I heartily applaud the Governor's decision. It will lead to
greater productivity and energy savings. I have worked at two other places with
four tens, and the employees would not change back to a five day week.
Schools and other agencies should do the same thing.
Schools and other agencies should do the same thing.
John | 10:05 a.m. June 27, 2008
Good ideal, bad implementation. If the goal is really to just shut down for one
day to save energy, then shut down on Wednesday. These agencies exist for a
reason. They are needed by the people, and to restrict our access to info and
help to where we have to wait three consecutive days, is wrong. Just like banks
cannot close for more than two straight days because we need it, the agencies
ought to be available the same way.
Besides that, in whose imagination will Monday be a regular day, after no one can talk to them since the previous Thursday. It will take all day Monday, to catch up what should have happened on Friday.
There are studies that show that the extra two hours are just wasted, as people tend to run out of steam after seven or eight hours. Just more government waste.
Bad idea, and its so transparent an attempt to just create long weekends, because if it was about saving energy, just make it another day rather than a friday or monday and avoid the disaster of trying to catch up to what is in the que from three days ago, on Monday
Besides that, in whose imagination will Monday be a regular day, after no one can talk to them since the previous Thursday. It will take all day Monday, to catch up what should have happened on Friday.
There are studies that show that the extra two hours are just wasted, as people tend to run out of steam after seven or eight hours. Just more government waste.
Bad idea, and its so transparent an attempt to just create long weekends, because if it was about saving energy, just make it another day rather than a friday or monday and avoid the disaster of trying to catch up to what is in the que from three days ago, on Monday
Gus | 10:10 a.m. June 27, 2008
I would love to work a few extra hours each day if it gave me a longer weekend.
Good idea.
Better idea | 11:01 a.m. June 27, 2008
9:11, quit being so easily offended - I wasn't insulting your husband. I
was merely pointing out that government does more to hurt the people than to
help them, so the government spending less time working should be a benefit.
Now if we can just convince oil traders to adopt a short work week.....
Now if we can just convince oil traders to adopt a short work week.....
Math challenged | 12:11 p.m. June 27, 2008
Dot is right, this saves NO energy in the government buildings because the
offices are open the exact same number of hours as if everyone worked fridays.
2 extra hours per day x 4 days per week still equals 8 hours. Saves employees
gas, yes, but don't make up this malarkey that the GOV will use less energy
in the offices. 4 10s is a good optional schedule for some employees, but
certainly not all. Missing your kids little league games, swim meets, sports
practices, dinner times, or even picking them up or being there for them after
school 4 days a week is a pretty big thing. I know all of you like to bash
government workers, but this idea of forcing employees to unwanted work
schedules under the ruse of saving energy is too transparent to be credible.
Re: Better idea | 11:01 a.m. | 12:12 p.m. June 27, 2008
Most government workers work just as hard as people in the private sector and
have as little to do with deciding government policies and procedures as people
in the private sector have with determining their company's business
practices.
There are just as many lazy, unproductive people in the private sector who care little for the needs of their customers as there are in the public sector.
There are just as many lazy, unproductive people in the private sector who care little for the needs of their customers as there are in the public sector.
Experienced | 12:12 p.m. June 27, 2008
I have observed 10 hour work days in the government setting for the past 8
years. Here is how virtually every day goes in the multiple complexes involved.
Folks show up some time between 6:00am and 6:30am. None are dressed for work.
Some even show up in their pajamas. They sit around for an hour drinking coffee
struggling to wake up. Since we have an exercise program, we have showers.
About 7:00am, some go off to work out and others eat breakfast. 8:00am we hit
the showers. The work day begins in earnest by 9:00am. Lunch begins at 11:30
and ends at 1:00 on a good day. Sometimes lunch has to go longer. By 4:00pm,
most everyone has had it; its been a long day. It is time to sit around and
tell stories. We are out the door by 4:45 looking forward to another 6 hours of
work crammed into a 10 hour day tomorrow. No, I'm not making this up.
And, yes, this is occurring right now in the lovely state of Utah.
Day Care | 12:20 p.m. June 27, 2008
It all sounds good, but the ones who will suffer are families with kids in
daycare. Working 10 hour days puts kids in daycare 11-12 hours a day, IF you can
find daycare that will keep kids that long. Maybe onsite daycare should be
considered.
TO: Experienced | 1:27 p.m. June 27, 2008
You, and your supervisors, are in lala land. Do you work at a health spa, or
what?
No offices I know of would let people show up in their pj's or half-dressed. The rest of your story sounds bogus, too. Except for the staggered lunch. That will likely happen with any ten hour scenario, though the intent isn't for a 90 minute lunch. Some workers would go at 11:00, and some would go at 12:00ish.
The 4 10's will work if people and management are reasonable and set expectation standards.
No offices I know of would let people show up in their pj's or half-dressed. The rest of your story sounds bogus, too. Except for the staggered lunch. That will likely happen with any ten hour scenario, though the intent isn't for a 90 minute lunch. Some workers would go at 11:00, and some would go at 12:00ish.
The 4 10's will work if people and management are reasonable and set expectation standards.
anon state worker | 9:09 a.m. June 30, 2008
It will be an adjustment, one we can and will make.
Most large private sector companies work round the clock, working various shifts to meet the bottom line--hopefully black in color.
But please, a reminder to the guv: In a free market society, the purpose of government is to provide services that the private sector cannot. Trying to implement private sector practices can only go so far in state gov. For example, removing the merit system. This would send us straight back to the days of nepotism and cronyism.
Most large private sector companies work round the clock, working various shifts to meet the bottom line--hopefully black in color.
But please, a reminder to the guv: In a free market society, the purpose of government is to provide services that the private sector cannot. Trying to implement private sector practices can only go so far in state gov. For example, removing the merit system. This would send us straight back to the days of nepotism and cronyism.
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