UC Experiments With Gas-Saving Work Schedules

The rising price of gas has led the University of Cincinnati to try a flexible summer work hours pilot project.

Under the pilot project, university offices that can accommodate such a schedule will allow employees to work four ten-hour work days. Throughout the pilot project, normal work hours of the university will remain unchanged and services will not be cut back. The pilot will begin July 7 and conclude on August 29, 2008.

UC Senior Associate Vice President and Chief Human Resources Officer Gary Dent said increasing transportation costs and environmental concerns about vehicle emissions were the impetus for the pilot. 

"By allowing some flexibility during the summer months, our employees can reduce their weekly commuting by 20 percent," Dent said. "This will not only save money for our employees as gasoline climbs above $4.00 a gallon, but it will reduce automobile emissions throughout the Cincinnati region."

Dent said a recent survey conducted by the Society for Human Resources Management  indicated 26 percent of organizations surveyed – both public and private sector – are implementing such schedules to address high fuel costs. The survey also indicated that 14 percent of the organizations provided some form of public-transportation discount.  The University of Cincinnati has offered such a program with Metro for more than a year and will partner with the Transit of Authority of Northern Kentucky in a similar arrangement later this year.

To participate in the flexible hours pilot, each university office will decide whether it can offer its employees such a schedule without reducing service or increasing costs.  Using the same criteria, the unit must also determine which positions will be eligible for participation.  Participating employees and their managers must complete a form detailing the employee’s specific schedule. 

The pilot will be reviewed upon its completion to determine if it will be repeated. Metrics to be considered in determining the success of the pilot are in development, and they will include customer service, use of accrued leaves and cost.

Read the policy here.

Access the pilot project form here.