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SALT LAKE CITY -- Convenience, not just cost-savings, will be the justification for Utah's governor to keep the 4-day workweek in state offices.
Gov. Gary Herbert announced Wednesday the state would extend its 4-day workweek, in part to allow people to continue to take advantage of being able to do their business early and late in the day.
"The people like having that extra hour, from 7 to 8 in the morning and from 5 to 6 at night," said Herbert's spokeswoman Angie Welling; adding that the state's seen an increase in transactions done during those times.
But the 4-day workweek is being modified in two key areas. One Department of Motor Vehicles office and one Drivers License Division office will be open on Fridays to accommodate people who can't make it there Monday through Thursday. The South Valley Office on 14555 S. Minuteman Dr. in Draper will be opened on Fridays from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. beginning Feb. 12, 2010.
In a statement, the governor said, "This is a 'win-win-win' all the way around. It is a win for the citizens, who will continue to have extended service hours Monday through Thursday, and now access to the DMV and Drivers License Division on Fridays.
"It is a win for the state's workforce, with 82 percent of employees saying they want to see the program extended, and it is a win for the state and the taxpayers in terms of cost savings and other benefits."
The 4-day schedule hasn't saved as much money as first planned, but it has saved money in some unexpected ways. When it was first implemented under former Gov. Jon Huntsman. It was hoped the state could save around $3 million just from the energy use. The actually energy savings has been more like $500,000, according to Welling. Overall, the state saw a 10 percent decrease in energy use at state-owned buildings over the past year.
However, the cash-strapped state found savings elsewhere, including $200,000 on janitorial services. Counting reduced overtime, the total savings was $4.8 million, although it is unknown how much of that reduced overtime is directly tied to the new schedule.
Maintaining the four-day workweek is expected to give Herbert a little extra breathing room as he faces what's expected to be an $850 million budget shortfall. Herbert is expected to release his budget recommendation next week, and the legislative session will begin in January.
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Story compiled with contributions from Becky Bruce and the Associated Press.
