GREEN BAY, WI (WTAQ-WLUK) – The Fourth of July means it’s a short work week for many.
With the company holiday falling on a Thursday, some places are giving workers an extended holiday on Friday, July 5th this year.
“What we’ve seen over the years is summer has definitely become more relaxed in company’s of all industries,” said Denise Knutson the talent director for HS Group in Green Bay, a company that does employee surveys and assessments.
She tells FOX 11 businesses are being more flexible with employee work schedules.
“It absolutely has a positive impact on morale. There are trends of some companies having shorter weeks.”
What could you do with an extra day off- enjoy a hobby, spend time with family or just read a book?
“I like to jump on my bike,” said Ben Cross.
Many companies aren’t just doing it this week. Instead, they’re offering flexible hours and shorter weeks all summer long and giving employees more time for themselves.
Ben Cross works in the FOX Cities Performing Arts Center IT department.
“In the summers we’ve got shortened schedules. Monday thru Thursday we’re done at 4 p.m. and Fridays were done at noon.”
He tells FOX 11 with it being a slower season for them, it makes sense.
“Everyone loves it it’s just much more relaxed it just gives us a nice break before Broadway season starts up again.”
But the Performing Arts Center isn’t alone, Knutson says many other businesses are doing the same thing.
“In an office or service environment giving the flexibility is certainly a plus.”
She says technology allowing people to stay connected has a lot to do with the trend.
“If I leave early on a Friday, I can still access my email, my voicemail, I can respond to a customer request and give them what they need, even if I’m not in the office, so that has given us a lot more freedom in many companies.”
If you’re not one of the lucky ones, she says fewer people in the office can mean more productive days for those working.
