The City of Hollywood may soon be adopting a four-day, ten-hour-a-day work schedule. Barring objection from city employees or the Hollywood Commission, the program could go into effect as soon as the week of October 3.
It was City Manager Dr. Wazir Ishmael who first proposed the new work-week. The plan would extend service hours to Hollywood residents and business owners, and the save the City at least $300,000.
The new schedule would have most City employees at work from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m., Monday through Thursday. This would mean many of Hollywood’s municipal buildings such as City Hall, the Parks and Recreation Administration Building, and the Public Works Administration Building would be closed Friday through Sunday.
City functions that couldn’t close on the weekends, such as the fire department or beach maintenance, wouldn’t be affected.
Employees who were surveyed on the subject mostly indicated they are in favor of it.
One advantage for residents is that city offices would close later on weekdays, making it easier for people who work during the day to do business with Hollywood. Also, the extra day off would boost morale and productivity for city employees while reducing overtime usage and maintenance costs for city owned vehicles.
The new work schedule would lead to energy cost savings and help with the city’s green initiatives, according to Joann Hussey, spokesperson for Hollywood.
Hollywood wouldn’t be the first to make the switch. Pembroke Pines, Lauderdale Lakes, Margate and a host of other Broward County cities are already using the four-day schedule.
If the four-day work week passes, it will begin as a pilot project for one year. During this year, the overall effectiveness, cost savings and employee morale will factor in to the decision regarding the schedule.
The City’s union members will vote on the four-day work week on August 16. Those voting results will be part of a presentation to the Commission during its meeting on August 31.
