Over 30 U.S. cities and counties have implemented or are piloting 4-day work weeks for government employees. The early results are surprisingly positive across multiple metrics.
Success Stories
Golden, Colorado: Implemented a 4-day/10-hour schedule for city employees in 2024. Results after 18 months: 23% reduction in turnover, 15% fewer sick days, and 92% employee satisfaction. Citizen satisfaction with government services actually increased.
San Juan County, Utah: 4-day week since 2008. Saved $120,000 annually in building costs alone. Employee retention among the highest for rural governments.
Measured Outcomes
- Employee productivity: Up 8-12% in most implementations
- Turnover: Down 20-35%
- Energy costs: Down 15-20%
- Recruitment: 3x more applicants for open positions
- Citizen complaints: No significant increase
Challenges
Emergency services (fire, police) can't easily transition. Some citizens dislike reduced in-person service days. Long 10-hour days aren't ideal for all workers, especially parents.
