What problem does it solve? ADP reports, 72% of turnover is voluntary separation citing one of the most important contributing factors as commute time (2018). The separation rate in NJ State employees increased from 8.7 percent in FY2014 to 9.7 percent in FY2015 (State of New Jersey, 2016). By reducing the number of working days, thus reducing overall commute time, New Jersey can reduce attrition rate, and thus reduce hiring, training and recruiting costs. Additional issues addressed by this solution are discussed below. What is your solution and who does it apply to? The solution is the four-day workweek. It can apply to almost everyone in state government. The suggested solution is to implement a combination of either: a) four ten-hour workdays and/or b) four eight-hour workdays with one day of telecommuting. What is the anticipated impact? Research shows a four-day workweek leads to an increase in productivity levels, substantial savings to the organization, a better work-life balance for employees, lower employee stress rates, an increase in morale, lower absenteeism rates, higher rates of job satisfaction and a reduction in the overall traffic congestion (Gower, 2017; Guizzo et al, 2019; Wadsworth and Facer, 2016; Sundo et al, 2015). Further, it is commonly recognized that traffic congestion is the most common cause of serious negative impacts on health, the environment, and the economy (Fujii et al. 2001, Nozick et al. 1998, Meyer 1999). Compressed workweeks have brought significant changes in travel conditions (Giuliano & Golob 1990). New Jerseyans waste more than a full workweek, or 52 hours per year, stuck in traffic and about $345 million annually in fuel due to traffic. New Jersey has the third longest commute time in the nation (State of New Jersey, 2008). This solution will help address these issues.
Bloomberg just released an article on February 1 this year about this topic. The shortened workweek stimulates the economy, as well (as it gives state workers one more day to shop).
A four day work week has been done before with AWP. But with computer technology, other innovative ideas of working are more fiscally sound for both employees and state government. This was a great idea in the 1990's.
State should be open for business for all 5 days so we may need to hire more people for a division or department with less number of employees \smaller teams.
The four day week schedule will automatically improve work efficiencies, reduce costs, boost morale of workers and increase productivity.
A four-day work week would decrease overall traffic for all citizens and serve as a model for private industry.
I think morale will be greatly improved
I observed a documentary once about a 4 day work week adopted oversees and how the rate of the production, stress levels, and family impact was impacted. Just looking at the benefits to my personal life, it would be a tremendous help and assistance to my family!
I believe this would be a great idea to implement. A four day work week can increase productivity, reduce stress, and make a happier work environment. Even if the state is not able to do each Friday, maybe certain departments can do have certain days. In addition, it may also be feasible for the state to remain open 5 days, but have employees have their set days off. Just a thought. I totally support the four day work week. It would also reduce the cost the state pays out in overtime. 😉
I would love a four day work week. However, how would we make up the hours the rest of the week? Currently my department does the AWP (Alternate work schedule) where you can have a day off during the 2 week pay period, but you have to make up the hours the rest of the week by coming in earlier and having a shorter lunch period. This works out well since you only make up 1/2 or 1 hour per day. However, if we had 2 days off in the pay period, we would have to work even a longer day.
A 4 day work week would be great. However, because of the work we do, we would have to stay open 5 days, and do alternate Fridays and Mondays, so that we have enough staff to cover. It's a great idea and increases productivity.
I totally agree that a four day work week is ideal for the kind of job I do. Employees may also be allowed to work from home where trust has been developed between the employer and the employee. Working from home will reduce the cost of running an office.
Many State and Federal Agencies are implementing the 4 day week schedule by working 10 hour days Monday through Friday or one day to work from home.
How does this solution help families with two working parents? We have AWP implemented in some departments already and it is not a viable option for all who are already stretched to a 10-11 hour day with the commute time factored in; a condensed week means a 12-13 hour day for many people... which means zero family time during the week for a day off when the kids are in school. This option doesn't necessarily improve the work/life balance for families though I appreciate it would benefit some.
This idea is impactful & feasible. Expand AWP to EWP (Each week). This will reduce traffic, gas cost, pollution & road maintenance cost. This will allow employee to have more time for work, family & life balance.
No challenges, put in place a process that works for NJ state workers, that are also are tax payers we fuel the economy.
In 2018, a NZ company ran a trial of a four-day workweek. The company’s 240+ staff picked one day off each week. It proved to be a success and the four-day workweek was permanently adopted. The trial saw a 20% increase in productivity, 30% increase in customer engagement levels, and increased staff engagement, a reduction in staff stress levels & work-life balance improving by 24%. Revenue remained stable throughout the trial and costs were down, with less power used (Yeung, 2018).
This idea has also been implemented in schools. Public schools in Hawaii closed on 17 Fridays in 2010 (Herring, 2010). Over 100 school districts in rural areas in the United States changed the school week to a four-day week; most also extended each school day by an hour or more (Toppo, 2002). The changes were often made in order to save money on transportation, heating, and substitute teachers. The implementation of this idea in schools further supports feasibility.
Some people are concerned about loosing hours, and they are right. Going from a 5-day work-week to a 4-day work-week, yes we are loosing hours and pay. A way to compensate for that would be to raise current employee's base salary just a bit to make up for the hours and money that we would lose by only working 4 days and not 5. This, obviously, would not apply to new-hires.
Individuals should have the option of Mondays Off or Fridays Off so they is always coverage Monday through Friday each week. I think its an awesome concept that should be trialed before statewide.
This does not consider employees who have a commute that is an hour or greater. A normal day is actually 10 hours. Proposing 4 ten hour days would potentially change that normal day to 12 hours. I do not see stress being reduced when giving half of my day to the job. Working hours might need to be change to allow start times before the current 7:00 am.
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