News-Record.com

Thursday's lead editorial.

For a growing number of government workers “TGIF” is now “TGIT.” This week, 17,000 Utah state employees began working four 10-hour days and taking off Fridays.

In North Carolina, Wayne County is shifting workers to a Monday-Thursday, extended-hour schedule as a cost-cutting and convenience measure. Mecklenburg is leaning in a different direction, with a possible four-day staggered work week that still keeps county offices open on Fridays.

A few private employers also are examining scheduling options. Greensboro’s Replacements Ltd., for example, offers a four-day, 10-hour plan and one-day-per-week telecommuting from home.

At the same time, carpooling has taken off as long-distance commuters turn to the Internet to connect with fellow rush-hour travelers. And this summer, PART launched new bus routes in outlying Piedmont communities and opened park-and-ride lots.

As for shorter work weeks, besides saving money and gasoline, they tend to boost morale. Employees surveyed in 150 cities and counties nationwide offering four-day options like it a lot.
But the jury’s out as to whether closing on Fridays shortchanges customers or even results in significant savings. Complaints about poor service prompted Ohio officials to cut back on the number of employees working four-day shifts.

Staying open several hours longer may have only limited impact, particularly in the cold, dark winter months. Once their work day is over, people may be less inclined to visit a county or city office. Nor may others be easily convinced that they should start using the Internet to conduct what they see as personal business.

If service delivery complaints increase markedly, the savings from a four-day work week may not be enough to compensate for constituent discontent. The far-reaching Utah overhaul will save just $3 million out of an $11 billion state budget.

In fact, government agencies already engage in creative scheduling. Emergency responders, including firefighters, paramedics and police officers, are assigned to work based on peak-service demands. However, their nontraditional schedules improve coverage rather than hinder it.
The challenge is coming up with a plan that saves on energy costs but doesn’t drastically reduce services. Guilford County officials are doing their part by compiling and evaluating energy-saving alternatives.

With high fuel prices here to stay, the usual ways of doing business must change, and quickly. TGIT schedules could be part of an innovative, if complex, response. So, it’s worth keeping close tabs on Wayne County.