State Tests Four-Day Work Week
Lt. Governor Aiona announced last week at a news conference that the state has embarked on a three-month experiment to switch its employees to a four-day work week in order to save money, energy and resources.
Human Resources Director Marie Laderta looks on as Lt. Governor Aiona announces a four-day work week pilot project.
The pilot project will involve 111 employees at the state Department of Human Resources Development.
Since Aug. 4, department employees have been putting in four, 10-hour days instead of five, eight-hour days. The pilot project will end Oct. 31, 2008, when the state would begin considering whether to offer the option of a four-day work week to the more than 17,000 employees who make up the state workforce.
“This possible option is part of a broader effort by our Administration to increase energy efficiency, improve customer service and provide workers more flexibility,” Lt. Governor Aiona said.
During the pilot, the department will be open to the public from 7:15 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., Monday through Thursday. Online services, including job listings and applications are available on the Internet 24 hours a day, seven days a week at hawaii.gov/hrd/main/esd.
“Also, a high priority for us is ensuring that we maintain the same level of service to the public,” Lt. Governor Aiona said. “In addition, since we want to make Hawai‘i more competitive in luring talent, we are hoping that this pilot project will help us determine whether a four-day work week offers more of a work-life balance than do traditional work schedules.”
