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Work just four days a week on a regular basis, and still earn normal wages. Or make time to run errands, attend events and see family by choosing when you work.
A compressed work week gives you the benefit of an extra day off by allowing you to work your usual number of hours in fewer days per pay period. Work four 10-hour days each week and then enjoy a three day weekend, or work 80 hours in nine days with an extra day off every other week.
Flextime refers to a work schedule that lets you set your own work hours within limits established by management.
Benefits
Both a compressed work week schedule and flextime allow you to work around peak commuting times, so getting to and from work is faster and easier. Also, you can structure work around your daily life and obligations.
Your employer might thank you, too! According to the Washington State Department of Transportation and partners, compressed work weeks and flextime both generally lead to:
· Increased employee satisfaction
· Increased employee retention
· Decreased tardiness and absenteeism
· Extended hours of service
· Increased productivity and efficiency
Based on findings in “The Manager’s Guide to Compressed Workweeks and Flextime,” published in 1998 by Washington State University Cooperative Extension Energy Program in collaboration with Commuter Challenge.
Get Started
Many employers already have flextime or compressed schedule policies already in place. Once you have a copy of the policy, you may need to demonstrate to your manager that your job responsibilities are suitable for flextime or a compressed schedule. Typically, jobs that require customer service, such as working as a receptionist or telephone operator, are less suited to a flexible schedule. Though, when done correctly, compressed schedules can increase customer service hours.
If your employer doesn’t have a policy already in place, you can do your own research and present it to your management team. In addition to being great for you, there are benefits to your employer too. Below are some resources to get you started.
Resources
Commuter Challenge – a website dedicated to providing support to commuters
-Case studies for ideas of what flextime or compressed schedules could look like at your workplace
-Steps to Implementation for tips on how to get the program up and running
-Benefits to Businesses and Managers for a full list of the advantages of flextime
Don’t just save, win!
You can save some cash by teleworking or working a compressed week. Check out this calculator to see how much. Even better, if you log your trips in the Pierce Trips Calendar you can win great prizes. Check out the Campaigns page to see what you could win!
Emergency Ride Home
If your employer partners with Pierce Transit and you use a smart commute option to get to work, you may be eligible for a free taxi ride home in case of an emergency. Visit Pierce Trips’ Emergency Ride Home page for more information or contact your Employee Transportation Coordinator.
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