Employees working a four-day workweek are praising the new conditions reporting improved mental health, morale and productivity.
San Juan County was the first county in Washington state to adopt a four-day workweek six months ago for all its workers except for Sheriff's deputies and emergency services. Workers there transitioned to the new schedule last October and have been working 32 hours every week while receiving 40 hours' pay, with the same workload.
County officials also report fewer sick days taken, long-vacant positions being filled, and taxpayers saving about $1 million through benefits and cost of living adjustments all without a drop in productivity.
READ MORE: Gen Z overwhelmingly favors a four-day workweek - say it will make them more productive
READ MORE: 9-1-1 crew member dies as car flips upside down in accident after working two shifts back-to-back
An announcement on the county's website read at the time: "The County is confident that employees will continue to provide the same quality of service and output the public has come to expect." The change has been widely praised, with many people expressing that their Mondays have become less overwhelming.
According to a recent employee survey in the county, 78% of respondents felt that the change had a positive impact on their mental health, 71% reported feeling better rested, and 67% experienced increased job satisfaction.
Tyler Davis, who works in environmental services, said he was initially skeptical, but now spends more time with his family and saves on childcare costs, while his work experience has also improved.
Click here to follow the Mirror US on Google News to stay up to date with all the latest news, sport and entertainment stories.
He told KING-TV : "At first, I thought they were joking. Certainly, morale has improved. We all enjoy the three-day weekend to do more. There's not as much anxiety, I don't think."
Nadine Varsovia, a county human resources worker, said she completed a master's degree in her spare time. She views the shorter workweek as an attraction for potential employees.
Join the Mirror's SMS news service to get the biggest breaking stories delivered straight to your phone. Click here to subscribe.
Varsovia said: "That's what a lot of people are looking for: a nice job to give you stability. You can work hard but then still get to go home at the end of the day."
Interim Assistant County Manager Brandon Andrews said: "Public works isn't cutting programs. Parks are still open seven days a week... The health department is still taking care of all of its major functions. So, we're seeing most of our major functions keep up with where we were at before."
Most Popular
Comments / 0