Is A Four-Day Work Week Right for You?

Aug. 15, 2008 — -- Gas and energy costs have caused some employers to move to a four-day work week to save money. For everyone who doesn't work for such an organization, one of the hottest topics in the nation -- gas prices -- could be the peg needed to convince the boss to implement a flexible work arrangement.

If you've previously been intimidated about approaching your boss about flexibility because your company isn't receptive to the whole notion of it, or if you've been flat-out turned down on your proposals for an accommodation, now might be a good time to speak up.

But this time, instead of focusing on flexibility or family, your focus should be pegged to gas and energy costs, which everyone understands. You can point to your boss what other businesses are doing, and build the case for why this might work well for your company.

You might suggest completely shutting down the office on Fridays in exchange for working longer days Monday through Thursday. This is where the company can save money on energy and phone bills by being closed. If shutting down isn't an option, but commuting costs are high for many workers, perhaps you can suggest a rotating schedule to help ease the burden for employees.

Even though a three-day weekend every week sounds like a dream come true for many people, there are some possible downsides to a four-day week that you must consider before running to the boss for a change in schedules:

Will your work will suffer in any way? Do clients or partners need five-day access to you? Could you stomach staying at work longer or are you already itching to get out at the end of your day?

Will your day care or elder costs rise? If you have someone or someplace looking after your kids or your parents until you're home, you'll have to pay more if you're now working two hours later Monday through Thursday.

Will your family be otherwise impacted by a two-hour delay in your arrival home each evening?

What are you going to do with that extra day off? Might you be tempted to go shopping, out to lunch, or driving somewhere -- thereby spending more money than you're saving?

If you've weighed the pros and cons and you decide a four-day work week would work for you, take steps to approach the boss.

First, talk to your colleagues and get a sense of their interest. Then consider a group approach to your manager or HR department.

Cite examples of what other companies are doing and how you suggest applying them to your work place. Present a formal, written proposal with three key details: how productivity and communication will be impacted; a timeframe for a trial period since it's often easier for a reluctant boss to say yes to a temporary change than a permanent one; and benchmarks for measuring the effectiveness. Be clear on how you'll determine whether this is working for both employees and management.

Tory Johnson is CEO of Women For Hire and the work place contributor on Good Morning America. Connect with her online at www.womenforhire.com.