How to Talk Your Company into Implementing a Four-Day Work Week
In 2008, Utah became the first state in the nation to mandate a four-day work week for state employees. Convince your boss that implementing a similar program is a brilliant move.
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You Will Need
- Utility figures
- Environmental facts
- Productivity facts
Steps
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Step 1
Refute the idea of lost time
Tell your company they won't be losing a day, but will be transferring the time, by suggesting four 10-hour days.
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If you work for a government office, point out that a longer day means that people who couldn't make it to your office due to work or school schedules will have two more hours.
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Step 2
Pull out the energy bills
Pull out the energy bills. When Utah switched to the four-day work week, they had a 13 percent reduction in energy consumption the first year.
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Step 3
Proclaim that it is green
Proclaim that a shorter work week is good for environment, as it cuts down on carbon dioxide emissions from commuting.
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Step 4
Mention lower gas costs
Mention, while on the subject of commuting, that one less work day means less money for employees to spend on gas. In Utah, gas costs dropped $6 million dollars the first year for participants.
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Step 5
Seal the deal
Seal the deal by pointing out that the change will increase productivity and save the company money. Utah reported fewer sick days, and 161,000 hours less overtime.
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According to a 2008 survey, 57 percent of employers offer at least one or more programs to help employees deal with the high cost of commuting.
