If you’re like most people, a 3-day weekend can be a Godsend! What would you do if you had one every weekend? Some folks in Northwest Washington are getting the chance to try it out when October rolls around!
Here are Five Fast Facts on San Juan County’s 4-day work week:
- 🗳️ The Vote - The San Juan County Council recently approved (unanimously) a measure to move almost all employees to a 4-day work week…without reducing everyone’s pay! It’s a deal with a labor union to give people better work life balance, reduce burnout, and avoid higher salaries. You know what they say, it’s time or money! In this case, they all went with time, which really equals money anyway.
- 👪 Who’s Affected? - The new policy affects about 70% of the county’s workers, including nurses, road and park workers, clerks, and other county employees. Cops and other key services aren’t part of the deal. That seems wise, though hopefully they get some other benefits to compensate!
- 🦸 Trailblazing - This county has a population of a little under 20k and is one of the first local governments to move away from the standard 40-hour work week. They’re following a workplace trend that more private businesses are starting to use. Wins all around!
- 👍 What’s The Benefit? - There are lots of benefits. It’s a per-hour increase in wage rates without actually spending more money so it keeps the county budget under control, it reduces the need for more staffing – they are chronically understaffed – and it gives workers more personal time which helps raise satisfaction and avoid burnout. And essentially everywhere this has been tried in businesses, workers are more productive at the same time! Despite what CEOs say, mind you.
- 🚚🐕 Some Examples - Many of the jobs affected are entry-level jobs that pay well, so anyone can get in on this benefit. Some great options include drivers, car technicians, orthodontist or vet assistants, and more. Some of these jobs pay as much as $85k per year!
🔥Bottom line: This seems like it should be a win for everyone! Workers can use their extra time for leisure activities or with family, or they can pick up additional work if they want to capitalize on the free day and earn even more. If this works out well for San Juan County, it just paves the way for more local governments and businesses to get in on the action, and that’s good for both Paychecks and our overall well-being!
Do you know anyone on a 4-day work week?
Let us know by connecting with us on Facebook and Instagram! Also, remember to share this newsletter with your friends & coworkers!
BTW, If you’ve read this far and haven’t yet signed up for the weekly Paycheckology newsletter, CLICK HERE!
