Utah becomes first state to declare four-day workweeks

With the rise of fuel and energy costs, several states (including us) have studied the possibility of giving state employee commuters some relief through a four-day work week while balancing the quality of services provided by state agencies. On Thursday, Utah became the first state to declare four-day workweeks mandatory for most state agencies. That means that roughly 17,000 Utah state employees will begin a 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. work schedule Mondays through Thursdays beginning in August. Essential services, such as highway patrols, courts, public schools and colleges, will not be affected by the changes. The move is expected to save the state $3 million. Florida, Kentucky and South Carolina have offered similar optional workweeks to some state employees. Here's more from stateline.org.

Pro: A four-day workweek helps commuter-clogged roads, gives people access to government services for longer hours, reduces emissions and gasoline consumption and conserves energy at state facilities — a benefit that saves taxpayers money.

Con: Shortening the workweek makes it inconvenient for the customers government is required to serve. In addition, the longer workdays burden those who require daycare for children or have special commuting arrangements.