Soaring Gas Prices Have Some Considering a 4-Day Work Week
Alternative work arrangements, such as the four-day work week, were in vogue during the oil crisis and economic recession of the 1970s. With soaring oil and gas prices in the headlines these days, employers are taking another look at the idea.
Susan Ascher, president and CEO of Roseland, N.J.- Ascher Group and an expert on workplace and job market issues, says more than 27 million people already have flexible schedules, allowing them to vary the times they start and end work days. Employers are recognizing and accommodating the need for flexible work schedules for several reasons.
Obviously, a shortened work week means fewer daily commutes, resulting in less highway congestion and fewer emissions.
Ascher says a four-day work week improves employee morale and energy, increasing productivity. It also can sharpen employee focus and make the workplace more productive.
Absenteeism and stress can be reduced, says Ascher. And a shorter work week provides an additional day for people to take care of things like running errands and scheduling appointments.
While working fewer days to conserve energy sounds like a good idea, there are issues that could complicate the plan. For example, workers may not stay close to home on their extra day off, negating any fuel savings derived from not driving to work.
Also, any saving in childcare costs could be lost if the number of hours worked per day increases during a shortened work week.
– By Ed Coury, senior editor and Midwest bureau chief for the Wall Street Journal Radio Network, Dow Jones & Co., and a reporter for WWJ Newsradio 950
WWJ Newsradio 950 e-newsletters bring automotive, business, technology, entertainment, and home news and information to your desktop. Interested in a complimentary subscription? Please register as a new reader by clicking here.
ADVERTISEMENT
Sponsored Links:
WWJ Newsradio 950 is Detroit's only all-news radio station and is the leader in Detroit radio news. Listen online to WWJ-AM 950 for live, local Detroit news, up-to-the-minute Detroit traffic, Detroit sports, Detroit business and Detroit community information. WWJ Newsradio 950 is an award winning radio station and you can listen online and podcast on demand Detroit news, Detroit Construction Alerts, Detroit School Closings, Winter Survival Guide and learn more about our Business Breakfasts. www.wwj.com.
E-Mail Story
Print Story
Alternative work arrangements, such as the four-day work week, were in vogue during the oil crisis and economic recession of the 1970s. With soaring oil and gas prices in the headlines these days, employers are taking another look at the idea.
