Alternative Work Schedules in Local Government: Cui Bono?

Abstract

Recently there has been an increase in the number of cities contemplating and implementing alternative work schedules, particularly compressed workweeks, often to decrease energy costs for the organization or to decrease transportation and fuel costs for employees. Although many organizations offer alternative work schedules, there is little research on the benefits and drawbacks of these schedules. This research endeavors to fill that gap in our understanding by providing the results of a recent survey of human resources directors in 151 U.S. cities with populations more than 25,000 about their experience with the benefits and drawbacks of alternative work schedules. More than half (56.3%) of the cities surveyed reported offering some form of alternative work schedule, with compressed workweeks being the most commonly offered. Although drawbacks were noted, the human resources directors were more likely to report benefits for employees and the organization in offering alternative work schedules.