Newburgh Heights, a village in the state of Ohio, USA, has announced a new legislation cutting the standard working hours down to 32 for all government employees without a pay cut.
The changes are going to come into effect from February, 2020.
While corporations keep experimenting with measures to improve wellness and work-life balance, this work week plan is a first for any local government.
The legislation as introduced on the 3 December, by Mayor Trevor Elkins, is aimed to reduce the standard work week for employees without cutting their pay.
The village has over 70 employees in government service. Each department is allowed to determine how its employees will work throughout the week. While most employees may work for six to seven hours a week, those in emergency services may have to work a little more.
Nonetheless, the move promises to create an improvement in the lives of the residents. The Bill upon introduction was passed unanimously by the Newburgh Heights Council.
The village is going to need additional staff to sustain the change. According to media reports, government officials estimate an addition of four employees in the police and security forces.
Last month, Microsoft had experimented with a four-day work week in its Japan offices and was rewarded with happier and more productive employees. Looks like organisations the world over are moving in the right direction in terms of reducing the burden of work on their employees and ensuring their well-being.
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