Great news! Americans suffering from high gas prices might get some relief in more ways than one. Several state governments are going the way of the four-day workweek in order to save gas, which will hopefully set an example for governments and companies across the nation. We’re big supporters of this idea for many reasons, and really hope it catches on.
From The Wall Street Journal:
Seeking to reduce state energy costs, Utah Governor Jon Huntsman announced Thursday that the state would close administrative offices on Fridays, while extending hours on Monday through Thursday.
The idea is to work longer during the week and reduce the amount of trips to and from work.
Following suit just in time for soaring summer gas prices is New York’s Suffolk County Legislator Wayne Horsley. His plan: Let employees work four 10-hour days from July 1 through Sept. 30.
And with no gas respite in sight, the concept is spreading to states such as California, West Virginia, Minnesota and Georgia.
But a 4-day work-week could create change that goes far beyond saving money and energy. According to an article in human resources journal Workforce Management, it could lead to “a revolution in the office that will result in productivity being the central value of work, rather the number of hours logged by employees.”
Just think of how nice it would be to have that extra day every weekend to relax, spend time with your kids, enjoy your favorite hobby, or get things done around the house. You would barely notice the extra 2 hours a day on the 4 days you’d have to work. It might just make you feel like you’re working to live instead of living to work.
Link [Wall Street Journal]
