Clackamas County Alternative Work Week Pilot Project

About the Program

Category: County Administration and Management (Best in Category)

Year: 2010

The Clackamas County Board of County Commissioners in 2008 established and published a list of goals subject to revision each year that included adopting a sustainability strategic plan encompassing the public and employees that would pave the way for Clackamas County to become a sustainable practices leader within the state of Oregon and in the nation. In November 2008, Clackamas County began a one-year pilot program: switching employees to a four day work week, with 10-hour work days—typically 7 a.m. to 6 p.m., Monday through Thursday. About 828 of Clackamas County’s 1,800 employees were included in the program, which did not include emergency service providers or the county court system. The idea was seen as an innovative way to enhance the county’s commitment to sustainability by saving energy costs, extending the service hours for citizens, making it possible for them to conduct business with the county before and after traditional working hours, reducing employee overtime.