Another state's mandatory four-day workweek for most state employees could become a blueprint for state agencies in West Virginia, according to discussions at a legislative interim meeting Tuesday.
CHARLESTON, W.Va. - Another state's mandatory four-day workweek for most state employees could become a blueprint for state agencies in West Virginia, according to discussions at a legislative interim meeting Tuesday.
Under a resolution passed last year, the Legislature directed the legislative auditor's office to determine whether a four-day workweek would be viable for state agencies in West Virginia.
Utah's program has largely been a success, a preliminary legislative audit released Tuesday found.
John Silva, director of the Performance Evaluation and Research Division, told legislators he has been evaluating a one-year pilot project underway in Utah, which last August mandated that 17,000 of its 24,000 state employees switch to four-day workweeks.
Silva said Utah officials estimate that the reduced amount of commuting to and from work will save state employees $6 million. The officials believe state workers will spend at least $5 million of that savings on goods and services, benefiting the Utah economy.
The state itself expects to save $3 million from reduced utility costs for offices that are closed three days each week, he said.
Under the program, normal business hours for state agencies changed from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday, to 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Thursday.
Silva said initial public reaction has been mostly positive, with favorable comments over the convenience of having state offices open for the two additional hours each workday.
He said disadvantages appear to be higher day-care costs for some employees, increased amounts of travel after dark, and complaints from some employees about difficulties working 10-hour days.
Members of the Government Organization and Government Operations committees weren't completely convinced Tuesday that a four-day workweek would be a good idea in West Virginia.
CHARLESTON, W.Va. - Another state's mandatory four-day workweek for most state employees could become a blueprint for state agencies in West Virginia, according to discussions at a legislative interim meeting Tuesday.
Under a resolution passed last year, the Legislature directed the legislative auditor's office to determine whether a four-day workweek would be viable for state agencies in West Virginia.
Utah's program has largely been a success, a preliminary legislative audit released Tuesday found.
John Silva, director of the Performance Evaluation and Research Division, told legislators he has been evaluating a one-year pilot project underway in Utah, which last August mandated that 17,000 of its 24,000 state employees switch to four-day workweeks.
Silva said Utah officials estimate that the reduced amount of commuting to and from work will save state employees $6 million. The officials believe state workers will spend at least $5 million of that savings on goods and services, benefiting the Utah economy.
The state itself expects to save $3 million from reduced utility costs for offices that are closed three days each week, he said.
Under the program, normal business hours for state agencies changed from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday, to 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Thursday.
Silva said initial public reaction has been mostly positive, with favorable comments over the convenience of having state offices open for the two additional hours each workday.
He said disadvantages appear to be higher day-care costs for some employees, increased amounts of travel after dark, and complaints from some employees about difficulties working 10-hour days.
Members of the Government Organization and Government Operations committees weren't completely convinced Tuesday that a four-day workweek would be a good idea in West Virginia.
Delegate Margaret Staggers, D-Fayette, asked Silva to research what impact the four-day workweek has had on private-sector businesses in Utah.
Staggers said she could envision doctors' offices in Charleston being overwhelmed by state employees all wanting appointments on Fridays.
Likewise, Delegate Sam Argento, D-Nicholas, asked Silva to research whether there has been any productivity or safety issues resulting from employees working 10-hour shifts.
Meanwhile, Joe McCoy, a citizen member of Government Operations, said he fundamentally opposed the idea of having state offices closed three days a week.
"Government exists for the convenience of its citizens," he said. "Government employees are important, but not as important as government services being available to the public at reasonable times."
Utah's four-day workweek does not apply to such critical-service personnel as police officers or prison guards, Silva said.
He said Utah officials plan to issue a complete evaluation of the four-day workweek in August.
Reach Phil Kabler at ph...@wvgazette.com
or 304-348-1220.
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I lov Joe Manchins campaign promise, If elected I will stream line the employees and their work dutys and get more productivity from the state employees. I will also have state employees wear business atire while on duty. Has that happened ? No ! Joes Open For Business went bankrupt, just like his campaign promises LOL !