Since July 4th falls on a Friday this year, we all get a nice, long, three-day weekend. But for employees of the state of Utah, every week is about to feel this short.
Utah has become the first state to implement a mandatory four-day work week for state employees - some 17,000 people. Call it a perfect storm of budget crunches, high gas prices, energy conservation initiatives and increased demand for flexible work schedules.
Utah's governor says his action will save money, make the state 20% more energy efficient and help with hiring. In particular, he says the four-day work week is popular among younger employees. He's right. I see my peers searching for not just a different work-life balance, but a different lifestyle all together. And it's not just people with kids. It's my generation as a whole. We just don't want the same grind.
So Utah may be the first, but it won't be the last. I predict that in a decade, half of all workers will be celebrating their independence from either commuting or a traditional work schedule.
Happy July 4th, everyone!
Posts
January Radishes
11 years ago
2 comments:
The other great thing about Utah is that today is July 24, Pioneer Day. It is an extra holiday that we celebrate in Utah that isn't celebrated anywhere else in the US. It is bigger than the 4th of July, with parades and fireworks!
Having just visited the "Wild West" myself this past weekend, I am most jealous to learn about Pioneer Day. I've never even heard of it!
Utah seems to have its priorities straight, I must say. Less work, more play!
Post a Comment