Work-Life Balance

I just read this article on MSN.com: http://www.good.is/post/tgithursday/?gt1=48001 It's about Utah's new 4-day work week. Last year, Utah's governor decided to give the majority of the state employees a 4-day work week. Essentially, these employees would work 10 hour days for 4 days a week, Monday through Thursday. This was done to cost-save - if the buildings could shut down on Fridays, that's a lot of energy the state doesn't have to pay for (not to mention the fact that's it lower Utah's carbon footprint). Furthermore, it saved the employees money - they had to pay for 4 days of childcare instead of 5 and no commute = no gas/tolls/tickets for an extra 52 days a year. That adds up! Many skeptics thought a 10 hour/day, 4 day/week schedule would burn out the employees. Instead, productivity increased, complaints lessened, and absenteeism and stress decreased. People were HAPPIER with this schedule. Personally, I think it's remarkable that skeptics ever thought otherwise. Having an extra day off makes a huge difference. The state of Utah has marked this a success and will continue this schedule.

It makes me wonder how many other companies will try this. Sure, this is a result of our struggling economy - everyone needs to cut costs, but I've noted that my generation - 20 somethings - want everything: a job we love, a short commute, free-time, no stress, lots of money - and we believe we can have that. And why not, frankly? I'm interested to see how things change as we enter and eventually take over the job market. More innovation = decreased stress and increased efficiency - what a remarkable idea! I've heard of companies allowing 20 minute nap times after lunch. These nap times have actually INCREASED productivity. Counter intuitive, yes, but if you really think about it, it makes sense. Everyone has experienced that drop in energy after lunch when your body aches for a nap, but instead of getting a rest and rejuvenating, you're forced to work through it - and many do so slowly. But if you had the opportunity to take a quick catnap, to recharge, you'd be ready to face the end of the workday. I think these changes and innovations are long-overdue. It's incredible to me that they are the result of cost-saving efforts and attempts at greater efficiency and while they are actually working, they're also giving people better lives. Work-life balance achieved.