Council backs six-month pilot for 4/10 city schedule after staff survey shows 72% employee interest

Human Resources Director Erica Lamin presented the results of a citywide employee survey on moving to a 4/10 schedule (four 10-hour days, three days off). Of approximately 336 employees citywide, 113 responded. Lamin said roughly 72% of respondents expressed interest in trying the schedule; responses showed a range of expectations about productivity, collaboration and work-life balance.

Survey highlights included strong interest in longer consecutive days off and improved work-life balance, alongside frequently cited concerns about childcare and potential fatigue for some employees. Lamin told council staff proposed a six-month pilot to begin with a pay period start on July 13, with department heads able to manage staffing and accommodations for employees with caregiving or medical constraints.

Council members asked how child-care challenges and continuity of core services would be handled. The city manager said supervisors would meet with employees who raise conflicts and that department-level flexibility would be built into the pilot. Council authorized the pilot and asked staff to report outcomes and a community survey after the trial.