Pier Simeri City of Avondale AZ 3 CMA

Pier Simeri, City of Avondale, AZ 3 CMA Annual Conference Sept 23 -25, 2009

Four Day Work Week Concept u Not ------ new but seeing a resurgence rising gas prices downturn in economy Gen X & Gen Y demands an employee benefit It’s a “green thing” to do

Four Day Work Week Concept u Research conducted on city government agencies u Four-day work week found to reduce absenteeism, boost morale, increase productivity, good for customer service, improve work-life balance

Avondale’s Green Friday Pilot program in June 2008; adopted in Oct. 2008 u First city in metro-Phoenix u City Hall hours are 7 a. m. to 6 p. m. Monday-Thursday; closed Friday. City court also closed u 40 hours a week; essential services not affected u Other AZ cities – Queen Creek, Buckeye, Mesa, Fountain Hills u

Avondale’s Green Friday u An idea proposed by the Employee Retention & Recruitment Committee u A different kind of alternative work schedule; an innovative, “thinking outside the box” proposal u 60% of employees were already working some form of alternative work schedule

Avondale’s Green Friday u Committee came up with term “Green Friday” because of heavy focus on environmental stewardship u Allows Avondale to conduct business in an environmentally friendly manner, while expanding customer service opportunities

Benefits of Green Friday Enhanced customer service – longer City Hall hours Monday through Thursday u Ensures that Avondale meets its trip reduction goal for City Hall u Driving to work one less day – personal cost savings, cuts down on associated trips (driving to the daycare) – overall better for the environment u Savings - janitorial services, electrical/water use at City Hall u Reduce carbon footprint at City Hall u

Benefits of Green Friday Majority supported Green Friday concept u Scheduling doctor/dental appointments on Friday minimizes time off during the week u Employees save on commuting, child care, lunch, GAS! u Allow for more family and personal time u Good for morale; could reduce sick leave u Arguably – more productive u

Considerations Doesn’t work across the organization u Departments will have to carefully review employees’ roles, develop specific policies regarding implementation u Need to raise public awareness of new schedule u Enhance technology to minimize impact of Friday closure (ie. online bill payments and class registration) u Ongoing evaluation to ensure customer service delivery is not negatively impacted u

Findings/Outcomes u Trip Reduction – 200 vehicles off the road on Friday during peak hours u Resident Satisfaction – 82% surveyed said keep Green Friday schedule. No complaints! u Employee Satisfaction u Cost savings: $45, 000 in energy, $10, 000 in janitorial services

Factors for Success u Progressive Leadership u Understanding customers needs – internal and external u Allowing for flexibility u Branding the concept u Getting the word out early and often! u Timing matters! u Online offerings

Public Outreach/Marketing u Developed logo/brand u Information for website – FAQs, hotline numbers u Press releases, interviews with TV, Radio and print u Water bills, posters, Post-its, outgoing email, voice mail u Staff volunteers to work the first couple of Fridays

Questions? www. avondale. org Pier Simeri psimeri@avondale. org