ALTERNATE WORK SCHEDULES, CASUAL DRESS GAIN ACCEPTANCE
Alternate work schedules and casual dress were introduced at Products about a year ago. And in that time, they have become part of the company landscape.
About a year ago, PAC Building and La Palma employees began working "9/80s" (nine hour days, every other Friday off); and many LA Refinery (LAR) employees began working "4/10s (four 10 hour days per week). Says HR's Ron Bailey: "These programs were started to boost morale while maintaining productivity."
Bailey says that early on, some senior managers complained they had trouble reaching people on Fridays. "We urged employees to update their phone messages, insure Friday coverage, and do personal business when possible on Fridays. We encouraged employees to take responsibility for the program."
Recent studies indicate that absenteeism and personal business are down. "Managers are satisfied with productivity," says Bailey. "About 95 percent of employees are participating in alternate work schedules. In short, it's working."
Employees enjoy the extra days off, which they use for doctor's appointments, shopping, and relaxing.
Many say the new schedule helps them better balance work and family. LAR's Jim Stevens says he and his wife now take a number of "mini-three days vacations" together. Says La Palma's Janet Keyte: "My kids plan around my Friday off. We do outings together. I'm more involved at school."
Systems consultant Ken Poyar says: "I get excited about four day weeks. To me, 26 more free days is like money in my pocket. I was recently offered a job for more money with another company. I didn't leave because of Products' 9/80."
Says La Palma's Alex Hall: " This is a good deal because we were working nine hours a day anyway. We're working hard to get the work done."
Many employees say they are more productive, especially on Fridays when there are few interruptions.
Some have had to adapt to longer days. Others can't always take a Friday off because of workloads. A few have had to scramble to find early morning child care. But because they think the alternate work schedule is a good deal, most employees say they don't mind doing personal business on Fridays.
Managers like the alternate work schedules. Says La Palma manager Jeff Scheib: "Morale has improved. Productivity has not been drained."
Recent HR hire Joanne Nakai says the alternate work schedule helped attract her to ARCO. Manager John Tonsick uses it when he's recruiting.
Managers say providing for coverage on Fridays can be a challenge. And some think that since many salaried employees were already working nine hours, the company is losing some productivity now. But most feel alternate work schedules are a net benefit to the company.
Says HR's Bailey: "Although it's hard to measure, we don't think productivity hasn't suffered. The work is getting done."
Casual dress policies, implemented at PAC and La Palma a year ago, are also popular. PAC employees go "business casual" every Friday. At La Palma every day is casual day. For men that often means dockers and polo shirts. For women, it means pants and a shirt.
Employees say casual dress creates a relaxed atmosphere, boosting both morale and productivity. And while one La Palma's Dong Kao says she had to buy a new "business casual" wardrobe, she appreciates lower dry cleaning bills. Says Valerie Jacob: "I wish everyday was casual."
A few employees apparently interpret "business casual" a bit casually, showing up in t-shirts, torn jeans, spandex tights, and sweat pants. But this is rare.
Ron Bailey says alternate work schedules and casual dress are so popular, it would be hard to go back.
