Editor's Note

This past August, Utah instituted a mandatory four-day work week for most state employees. Instead of the typical eight to five, five days a week schedule, state employees now work 10-hour days, four days a week. I say bravo! Where do I sign up?

While being forced to work 10-hour days might be a little aggressive, I see so many benefits to this schedule. I wish more companies would consider this option for their employees.

As a wife, full-time employee, and soon-to-be mother of one,  keeping a realistic work/life balance will soon become difficult, I’m sure. So many working parents struggle with this, especially since most families consist of two working parents. If employees were granted the option of having three days off, instead of just two, that would allow more time for family…something we could all use a little more of.

A four-day work week also reaps environmental benefits. Earth Day is next month and everyone’s focus will be on ways to “Go Green” and reduce your carbon footprint. A four-day work week means less traffic on the road, which means fewer car fumes emitted into the air, which makes for a happier Mother Earth! Think about your commute on days near big holidays. There are hardly any cars on the road. This is what a no-work Friday could look like all the time!

We all saw many companies take a big hit during the economic decline at the end of last year. Companies laid off employees, cut salaries, and reduced raises. Perhaps a four-day work week could help companies prevent this from happening again. If a company can turn off the lights and close up shop for an extra day a week, maybe the energy savings could offset some of their expenses.

Right now might be the best time to shake things up by looking for creative solutions in the workplace. I think this is a great place to start.

Christy Wolf, Editor

What do you think about a four-day work week? Let me know!