Four Day Work Weeks, the New Future?

With gas prices soaring to new heights, companies and organizations are looking at ways to reduce expenses for both the company and its employees.   Some are implementing work from home programs while others are using technology for remote access. 

Today, the State of Utah announced moving to a four hour work week beginning August 1st in order to reduce expenses.  Workers will work ten hours for four days, Monday through Thursday, with no cut in salary.  Some offices will close on Fridays reducing the cost of utilities and saving the State $3 million per year from their $11 billion budget.  This is also being promoted as a green strategy as it's anticipated the State of Utah will also reduce its consumption of gas as Fridays it's fleet will be parked. 

Critical services such as police, prison guards, public university employees and court employees will continue to work their normal schedules, but other departments will now begin following this new schedule. 

People are finding this to be an innovative way to save on fuel costs for both the State as well as its employees.  It has also resulted in increased morale.  It's anticipated that more States will follow-suit as budgets start to tighten. 

What benefits do you see in a four day, ten hour work week? 

Do you see any downfall with moving to this method?

What other strategies can be implemented to reduce costs and be more environmentally friendly?