Gas Prices Warrant a Three Day Weekend
Commuting costs are growing as the reason for employees changing jobs. With gas prices continuing to skyrocket and no end in sight, every business out there should be considering changing their schedules around and give their employees an extra day off.
The price of gas rose so fast that many got caught in a situation that is unmanageable. Large vehicles are losing their second hand value as fast as gas prices are rising. For many it is now almost impossible to get out from under a car payment on these gas guzzlers. The only viable option is to find a job closer to home, or move closer to work. Most will chose to change jobs given those options.
When asked, most employees would accept a 10 hour workday 4 days a week in order to get a three day weekend. It just makes sense to most people to sacrifice a little to earn what feels like a lot. And a 20% reduction in commuting costs makes this an even better idea. For those with small children, an additional savings on child care can really top the cake.
The financial cascade effect of not going to work one day is so far reaching that it actually outweighs a pay-raise to most employees. Not to mention that the three day weekend is appealing in itself.
If your company has the potential for moving the schedule around to accommodate a 4 day workweek, you will most likely see your employee retention increasing. Most companies can accommodate this is one way or another. And because of increased open hours, may actually see an increase in sales when they begin to be more accessible to other time zones.
Work with your employees as much as possible, there is nothing more profitable than human capital retention in the long run.
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June 11th, 2008 at 9:58 am
Well, with the way gas prices are today, no one even wants to drive anymore. I can think of good outcomes of that, but when you have to get to work, there is nothing you can do but to drive!
I’m not sure companies would go for the 4 day week, but it sounds like a great and practical idea. I just don’t think employers care about how much it costs people to get to work, they just want the job done. Unfortunate, but true!
Dr. KC
http://www.DOCintheBiz.com
http://www.GLCzone.com
June 11th, 2008 at 11:51 am
Some states are adopting this 4 day a week policy. For example, Judi Spann a spokeswoman for the Florida Department of Health said, “State workers will still put in 40-hour week. But their bosses are urging them to work 10-hour days, so they can stay home an extra day during the week.”
I think it is a great idea.
June 11th, 2008 at 4:44 pm
I would have to see some statistics as to more much money would be saved by employee’s. I can’t imagine it costing a whole lot to travel to work two extra times a week, even if you lived 30 miles away.
Even if the employee lived say 50 miles away, the company would probably more profitable subsidizing their travel costs a bit; because I would imagine that production would fall off quite a bit adding 2 hours to each work day.
June 11th, 2008 at 5:10 pm
Bull! Rising gas prices warrant a changing of the government, to an enlightened one that is prepared for the future and doesn’t take bribes from corporations, like the one in Brazil, where there is NO FUEL SHORTAGE!!! Honest, their capitalists are smarter than ours! Shit! are we f**ked or what!
June 11th, 2008 at 11:34 pm
thats some true shit right there
June 12th, 2008 at 6:59 am
A four day work week has been adopted by many businesses, cities and states. I read a recent article that said,
“Several Utah cities have turned to the four-day work week, and a BYU study shows the system is a big hit.”
I think it is a great idea that will lower the monthly gas bill for commuters. It will also help with lowering emissions and congestion on the highways. Right ON!
June 16th, 2008 at 5:58 pm
Surely companies will consider letting employees work from home one or two days a week instead of shortening the work week. That way the employers feel like they’re getting more out of their employees than a four day work week. Of course many people can’t do their jobs from home so the four day work week would obviously make more sense.
Good post.
June 20th, 2008 at 5:09 am
Since I already work 10 hour days, I would basically be in paradise only having to have four them!
Businesses are going to need to start utilizing more conferencing capabilities as well, whether simply creating conference bridges, or building up a video conferencing solution.
Personally, I cannot stand to work at home, but I think I’m in the minority when it comes to that.
~the GURU