The State of Utah has taken the lead in helping its employees combat the daily increases in gasoline prices by moving to a standard 4 day workweek of 10-hour days.  Approximately 17,000 of its 24,000 employees will be able to take advantage of this new program (Associated Press, July 4, 2008). 

This move has two benefits--it provides an automatic morale boost to employees who will enjoy three-day weekends as a normal course of their employment, and it will help them reduce their commuting costs by 20%.  Taxpayers will also benefit by reduced overhead costs as public buildings can "power down" an extra day a week.

The company where I work is now considering a similar move, but because of the nature of our business and the need for 24-7 staffing, we are considering a staggered approach where the extra day off is spread throughout the week for employees.  We are also exploring where we can reasonably use telecomuting to offset some of the costs.

What ways is your organization looking to reduce the burden its employees are facing in these economically volitile times?  Some simple answers can go a long way in keeping morale positive.  It will also prevent talented individuals from leaving to find work closer to their home, or an employer who provides more flexible accommodations.