Readers' Comments
Total Comments: 74
Page 2 of 9
Page 2 of 9
Can Major Changes in Government Happen Quickly and Easily?
Total Comments: 74
Page 2 of 9
Page 2 of 9
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January 9, 2009
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Change
IRS
Thu Aug 21, 2008 9:21 AM
Post Reply
This idea is hardly anything new. Many government agencies employ this method (4, 10 hour days or 5-4-9 methods of different tours of duty). From the tone of your article, I get a very distinct impression that your skeptical or against this concept. Since the government is open 5 days a week, not everyone would get Friday off. The work force, should they choose this plan would be split to ensure "customer" coverage. The benefit is less commuting which in turn means less oil consumption and less traffic congestion (all very positive effects). Not everyone will jump on the band wagon to change their tour of duty for whatever reason. This is, however, a step in the right direction to address to allow flexibility, save money (Uncle saves in this too) and cut down on pollution. So my question to you is simply this. "Why the sour face on this concept?" If I read you wrong, you need to tell your face that your having a good time reporting the news.
Re: Change
Fed
Thu Aug 21, 2008 10:17 AM
Re: Change
DOD
Thu Aug 21, 2008 11:05 AM
However, it would cut down gas and pollution by reducing the numbers of commuters by a significant percentage on at least 2 days of the week.
That said, I won't take it. I have kids and while mine don 't require day care any longer, there are still a great many events that a 10 hr day would force me to miss. I am also too exhausted after such a week to enjoy the day off. I did it back in the 90's when $ was soo tight that our activity did that with everyone gone on the same day so they could save on operating costs. Fortunately it was only for a month and 1/2 until the new FY.
Flex time in all its variations is a good thing for both productivity and the employee.
It is a good option for many but keep it optional.
Maybe
USDA Forest Service
Thu Aug 21, 2008 9:25 AM
Post Reply
At first glance this appears to be a great idea. During the summer season when my kids are out of school I have worked four tens. Not to save energy, but to have more family time.
While this has a savings for the Government for energy, I use additional energy at home for recreation, visiting family, etc., or as they say "there is no free lunch".
I wouldn't expect to see any drastic changes in productivity in most cases, but in some agencies where employees are needed on call and for extended periods of time, such as; fire fighting, emergency response, national security, I expect there would be a need for additional overtime.
As a lot of school districts have found, there are savings in energy use for four day weeks. It would work well for a majority of Federal agencies, but for all.
Don't assume everyone wants it...
small agency
Thu Aug 21, 2008 9:26 AM
Post Reply
Agencies can already offer alternative work schedules to employees that include 4-10 hour work days. But keep in mind, not everyone will want to work or be able to work 10 hours a day. My agency offers every flexibility possible, but I like my 8 hour day. It fits my lifestyle. If they forced me to give it up, I'd be looking for another job.
There, there. It will all be okay Ralph.
Outside the Beltway
Thu Aug 21, 2008 9:36 AM
Post Reply
"If a change of this magnitude occurs, it may not be good for the public that uses government services or for government productivity."
This is the argument for resisting the abolition of child labor and establishment of the Fair Labor Standards Act. Come on Ralph! Alternativie Work Schedules have been established (without much notice) in most agencies already. Social Security checks get paid, forest fires get fought, patents get examined, and air traffic's pretty well controlled.
We need to consider the possibility that changes workers like may not be bad for productivity -- just better for working stiffs. Sure, some folks cheat on their time sheets, but that doesn't warrant a return to the time clocks you and I punched every day.
10 hour work days
FAA-ATC
Thu Aug 21, 2008 9:38 AM
Post Reply
There was a time a few years ago that this was an option for staff personnel at Tower/Center field facilities. No longer. In today's environment I don't believe management would allow it regardless of what Congress may do. Despite the current economic conditions, ecological concerns, mandates from Congress, and the FAA's own written guidance, I am not allowed to telework under any circumstance. With regard to personnel policies the FAA does what it wants, not what is required or best for the employees.
Only if it is voluntary
Federal Agency
Thu Aug 21, 2008 9:50 AM
Post Reply
I would support this, only if it is voluntary. Currently, I work in an agency with maxiflex, so I could switch to 5-4-9 or 4-10. However, somedays putting in my eight hours feels like a real burden. The current arrangement allows me to put in 10 hours when the work load demands it and shorter amounts of time on the days when it doesn't. Right now, as we get towards the end of the Fiscal Year, I and everyone else is putting in long days. Once the books are closed for the year, we will take the credit hours that we have built up and take a few 4 day weekends. This has to be coordinated with the rest of the staff and my supervisor, but it gives my office, and myself, tremendous flexibility to get the job done. After all, that's why we are all here!
If 4-10 was mandatory, I would resent being ordered to be at my desk, just to twiddle my thumbs, when I didn't need to be there.
4 Day/10 Hour Work Schedule
Social Security Administration
Thu Aug 21, 2008 9:56 AM
Post Reply
SSA has offered the option of a 4 day/10 hour work schedule for several years now. I just recently switched to it for "family friendly" reasons. This new schedule allows me to care for my infant grandson on my day off.