Changing Work Rules

All across the Internet the news is that business and government are rapidly changing work rules to allow for 4 day work weeks and more tele-commuting. Is it because tele-workers a more productive? Yes. Is it because of rising fuel and energy costs? Yes. Is it because workers are seeking jobs closer to home? YES!

Work rules constantly change and this one isn't exactly new, it's just picking up steam and fast! Of particular concern to business owners are employee perceptions. Your next hire is probably going to live closer and expect tele-commuting benefits.

2001

• Department of Transportation and Related Agencies Appropriation Act: Allows eligible employees to participate in a telework program to the maximum degree possible.

June 2008

• Utah this summer will become what experts say is the first state to institute a mandatory four-day work week for most state employees, joining local governments across the nation that are altering schedules to save money, energy and resources. Gov. Jon Huntsman, a first-term Republican, says he's making the change to reduce the state's carbon footprint, increase energy efficiency, improve customer service and provide workers more flexibility.
• County considers work week change - Brownsville Herald.
• With gas averaging $3.93 a gallon, four out of 10, or 44 percent, of workers say gas prices are affecting their commutes to work, according to a new national survey from Robert Half International. That's up from 34 percent two years ago when gas prices averaged $2.80. Of the workers who say they've changed their commutes to cope with gas prices: 46 percent say they are now carpooling more frequently. 33 percent say they are now driving a more fuel-efficient car. 33 percent say they are telecommuting more often. 30 percent say they're looking for a job closer to home.
• The fast-rising price of the daily commute is pushing a lot of people to hunt for a new job. In fact, 35% of American workers were searching for a job closer to home in order to cut back on the cost of commuting, according to a study by Manpower, the employment services firm.
• OSHA Backs Off Of Work-At-Home Rules