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SALT LAKE CITY - State workers are saying goodbye to the four-day work week and moving back to a regular five-day schedule.
Next week, the work schedule of most of the roughly 16,000 state workers in Utah will make the transition back to a five-day work week. Some state workers said they just got adjusted to the old schedule and liked the three-day weekend. Others welcome the return to a schedule that is pretty much like most other businesses.
The Department of Motor Vehicles is the government agency most Utahns know best, said Executive Director Jeff Herring of the Department of Human Resource Management. "That is often the window to state government," he said.
At the DMV in Salt Lake, the return to a five-day work week drew a mixed reaction. Some saw it as a good thing.
"So more public places are open that aren't open on Fridays that will be open, yeah that will be good," said Murray resident Maurice Godoy.
You know there's trade-offs to that. The extra hours -- morning and afternoon -- will be shortened, but the extra day will be expanded so there's some trade- offs to that.
–Jeff Herring
"I work a four-ten myself," said West Valley City resident Devin Ogaard. "It's long, it's a long shift. So, it's probably better on them and their sleep and that kind of stuff, so I think it's better."
But others said the change was not necessary.
"I think it's better they have the four-day work week because it gives them more time with their family," said South Jordan resident Shannon Robison. "Yes, I like the four day."
In 2008, former governor Jon Huntsman unveiled the four- day work week, aiming to save energy from reduced heating and cooling with many state buildings closed on Fridays.
The state did save some money, but fell short of the goal of saving $3 million annually. Survey's showed the move was a mixed bag for workers and the public.
Lawmakers voted to reinstate the five-day work week earlier this year, overriding a veto by Gov. Gary Herbert.
"You know there's trade-offs to that," Herring said. "The extra hours -- morning and afternoon -- will be shortened, but the extra day will be expanded so there's some trade- offs to that."
The Governor's office has told agencies to be as flexible as possible with employee schedules as state workers make the transition.. The switch officially happens next Tuesday at 8 a.m.
Email: jdaley@ksl.com
