Workers shifting to 4-day week to save gasoline
When Ohio’s Kent State University offered custodial staff the option of working four days a week instead of five to cut commuting costs, most jumped at the chance, part of a U.S. trend aimed at combating soaring gasoline prices.
“We offered it to 94 employees and 78 have taken us up on it,” said university spokesman Scott Rainone.
The reason is simple: rising gas prices and a desire to retain good workers. And while so far only the university’s custodians are eligible, Rainone hopes the option will be offered to all departments — including his own.
Telecommuting and work-week changes are nothing new. Talked about for years and years with technology offering glimpses of “can be done.”
Now is the time to look at these options. It will save us all money (one day less travel), cut down on that dreaded “windshield time”, and cut our emissions. Sounds like a three way winner.
