While many Americans will celebrate their life, liberty and pursuit of a relaxing day off of work this Friday, thanks to the Fourth of July, a growing number of employees don't need a holiday to get a four-day workweek. High energy costs, not high-flying fireworks, are why Utah recently joined the ranks of private and public sector employers telling workers to stay home (and off the roads) on Friday.

When the Working 4 Utah initiative begins in August, state government service hours will be extended from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Thursday. State administrative offices will be closed on Fridays, with the exception of essential public services. The governor's office estimates that 1,000 of 3,000 state buildings will be closed on Fridays, cutting energy costs by about 20 percent, according to a statement.

Those kinds of cost-savings calculations are also being considered in Arkansas and Oklahoma. Small cities in Virginia and Florida and bigger ones including Birmingham, Ala., have already taken Friday's payroll and energy costs off the books and added the hours to the other four weekdays.

Even professional sports teams are cooling it when it comes to cutting air conditioning and transportation costs. The Buffalo Sabres hockey team usually offers employees a half-day Friday in the summer, but because of high fuel costs decided to bench the fifth day completely this season.

While closing shop may not be an option, be aware of schedule changes your corporate customers are making and how to accommodate them. Also consider letting some salespeople telecommute to get them off the roads but keep 'em on the clock, like Walter Knoll Florist of St. Louis does. For tips on how to cut fuel costs, visit the Department of Energy's Web page. For more floral specific advice, check out past E-brief coverage.

--Amanda Long
along@safnow.org

 

Previous Article    Next Article