5-day to 4-day workweek

dlail

We're a small manufacturing/mail order company, whose production/tooling depts work 7-3:30 w/ 30 minute lunchbreak. All other depts work 8-5, w/ customer service staff working a staggered 8-hour shift cover 8am-7pm.

Tooling dept has inquired about working a 4-day 10 hourshift, initially in the interest of gas conservation. We're trying to analyze the pros/cons. The shift change affects 9 employees, and all would work the same schedule (the group voted among themselves 2-7).

We would not consider putting production on the same schedule because their output is measured differently and would need to be available on Friday. Also, they work around hot ovens/presses, and already modify their schedule to 6-2:30 to leave work. Ten hour days with the kind of heat they work in, is not realistic. The 7-3:30 initially was a temporary schedule for the summer, but was so favored by the employees and productive, that we continued it.

We permit vacation time in half- or whole day increments (4 or 8 hours), and holidays as well are 8 hour days. This means that either those ees on a 10 hour day shifts will work a modified shift of either 4 8hr days or some other schedule the pay period that contains a holiday.

We anticipate some griping by those in other departments whose position does not lend itself to this alternative schedule, as being unfair. We already have two different work schedules. Warehouse (5 ees) is unable to work 7-3:30 due to outbound shipping obligations and counter business.

Would like feedback from those who have implemented a modified shift either temporarily or permanently and any considerations not mentioned.

Thanks,
Debbie

stilldazed

We probably have as many shifts as any employer can have, and then some. As a response to some employee complaints about gas prices, we have added the option for a 4/10 schedule vs 5/8 in limited situations where sufficient back up is available to cover hours where offices must be open for public access. We are also non union, service industry, and 24/7 in many of our operations. Time-off/holidays for the folks on 4/10 will mean that they must use 10 hours per day instead of 8. To be eligible to have their request for a shift changed approved, they must also be in good standing (no disciplinary issues) and in a position that has back up staff available (without increasing the workload for the back-up staff). I had a discussion with one of the recent 'changers' yesterday and was pleased to find an unexpected positive result: the quiet time during hours when no other workers are present in the immediate vicinity has allowed for an increase in productivity. I would question the response and counter with "it is probably the Westinghouse effect," except this worker is a long-time employee and a strong, productive worker already.

best wishes.