UTAH

A 4-day workweek is working for Provo government

Dec 6, 2022, 7:00 AM | Updated: Dec 9, 2022, 1:23 pm

The mayor of Provo, Utah, discusses how popular the city's four-day workweek has been, why it's pop...

A global pilot program that offered four-day work week has seen tremendous success. It's not a new concept to the mayor of Provo, Utah, who told KSL NewsRadio her city employees gladly work four tens (Canva)

(Canva)

SALT LAKE CITY — Employees that participated in a six-month pilot program that saw them working four days a week instead of five, love it. 

And while the employee response may have been easy to predict, the companies’ responses are less so. Namely, the companies have chosen to keep the new hours.

According to a report from The Hill,  the pilot program was designed by the non-profit 4 Day Week Global along with researchers from Boston College. And one catch? While employees were working 32 hours a week, they were earning what they’d typically earn while working 40 hours a week.

There’s at least one organization in Utah that offers shorter work weeks (but not fewer hours). It’s Provo city government, and Provo Mayor Michelle Kaufusi, says she wouldn’t have it any other way.

 “The compressed work week program? It has been loved, literally loved by everyone in the community and in this city,” Mayor Kaufusi told KSL NewsRadio’s Dave and Dujanovic.

Kaufusi said that all Provo City employees are on the four/ten schedule except for those in customer service, cemetery employees, and police and fire.

And at least at the beginning, offering four tens to city workers wasn’t exactly about the employees. Kaufusi said she was thinking more about the people they serve, the residents of Provo.

“If you are a working mom, and I have been my whole life, at 7 o’clock, to run in and have a question about a utility bill? I can do that. But if you open at 9 and close at 5, that’s when I’m at work, and I’m in a little bit of a conundrum,” Kaufusi said.

Those companies involved in the original pilot program said they would keep the 4-day work week namely because productivity remained the same. Kaufusi said that productivity could be linked to how much the employees like the shorter work week. She said it’s one of the main reasons people want to work for Provo City.

“When I ask them … when it finally rises to this level (in an interview), I”ll say, ‘what made you interested in Provo,’ and without a doubt the top two reasons are the four tens,” Kaufusi said. “They love it.”

Related reading:

We want to hear from you.

Have a story idea or tip? Send it to the KSL NewsRadio team here.

Utah

(American Fork Fire and Rescue)...

ALEXANDER CAMPBELL

Fire Department releases final investigation report of American Fork home explosion

The American Fork Fire Department released the final investigation report from a March 20 home explosion on Tuesday.

6 hours ago

The SCOTUS has unanimously preserved access to the "abortion pill," which was used in nearly two-th...

Mariah Maynes

SCOTUS hears oral arguments in Uinta Basin Railway case

SCOTUS heard arguments in the Uintah Basin Railway case on Tuesday. The federal appeals court previously canceled project approval.

11 hours ago

UDOT is warning drivers to plan for construction projects on I-15 and I-215 over the next several d...

Adam Small

5600 South project delays easing, I-15 project may be completed sooner than expected

A UDOT spokesman says delays should be easing on 5600 South in Roy as they reopen lanes.

12 hours ago

The Alpine School District pictured on May 12, 2023....

Britt Johnson

Questions remain as Alpine School District prepares to split in three

Now that Alpine School District is officially splitting into three, some issues could affect how those districts are aligned.

16 hours ago

A man in a wheelchair narrowly escaped a burning van with the help of a stranger, who heard his cri...

Garna Mejia, KSL TV

Man narrowly escapes burning van with help of stranger nearby

A man in a wheelchair narrowly escaped a burning van with the help of a stranger, who heard his cries for help.

18 hours ago

A sign welcoming people to the city of Ogden on 25th Street....

MICHAEL HOUCK, ksl tv

Ogden officials urge drivers to watch out for pedestrians after teen was hit

Ogden city officials are trying to curb a trend of pedestrians being hit by drivers, asking them to pay attention while on the roads.

19 hours ago

Sponsored Articles

big crowd of people under holiday lights in an outdoor market...

Western Nut

Our favorite family Christmas activities in Utah

We gathered up a list of our favorite activities, movies, and treats to try this holiday season that the whole family can enjoy.

an IT tech looks at a laptop in front of a server network...

Comcast Business

Tips to protect yourself from phishing attacks

Check out this resource from Comcast Business to learn more about phishing attacks and how to protect yourself from becoming a victim of one.

A surprise gift, wrapped and ready to bring holiday cheer! Whether for Christmas, a birthday, or an...

Western Nut

10 Holiday Gift Ideas to cover everyone on your list

This guide is for you if you need holiday gift ideas that will make a lasting impression. 

Stressed young woman checking bills, taxes, bank account balance and calculating expenses in the li...

The Law Offices of Jordan F. Wilcox

Why you should speak to a Utah lawyer about longstanding IRS tax issues

Hiring a lawyer to navigate longstanding IRS tax issues can make a significant difference in achieving a favorable resolution.

4 construction workers fixing roof against clouds blue sky, install shingles at the top of the hous...

Chipman Roofing

Weather the storms by maintaining your roof

By taking the time to assess your roof's condition and make repairs as needed, you maintain the longevity of your home's stability.

Tax Harassment...

The Law Offices of Jordan F. Wilcox

Feeling intimidated by the IRS? 6 Essential facts you should know.

If you are receiving threatening letters and wage garnishments from the IRS, hiring an attorney can help ensure your rights are protected.

A 4-day workweek is working for Provo government