A Four Day Work Week

A friend forwarded an article to me about alternative work schedules.

The driver: gas prices

It seems more private companies are starting to offer alternatives, such as working 4 - 10 hour days per week or 8 - 9 hours days with an extra day off every other week. 4 -10s  cuts 20% of your occupational gas bill.

The article got me thinking. I believe these higher gas prices are here to stay. I have read multiple opinions from experts and the consensus is building that we will not return to the $50- $60 a barrel days. Yes, we might be in a bubble, but gone are the days when I could fill my car for $17.

This is starting to have an effect on corporate America. Employees are looking for jobs closer to home. Telecommuting is becoming more attractive. Car pools are forming again. Public transportation is being used more.

I think that this shift in higher energy costs will impact the workplace much more profoundly. I think it has the potential to reshape corporate life much like the dot com days when we all brought our dog to the office and wore sandals.

Employees are already asking tough questions. Companies will need to be careful about how they respond to what may be perceived as unreasonable.

How about a corporate gas card?

Gas and food prices have risen sharply in a short period of time and salaries have not. Employees are feeling the effects.

Have a great weekend.