Hawaii Senate Bill SR131

Hawaii 2022 Regular Session

• Introduced: 3/11/22
• Refer: 3/16/22

Caption

Requesting The Department Of Labor And Industrial Relations To Convene A Four-day Work Week Task Force To Evaluate How More Flexible Work Hours And A Four-day Work Week Can Be Implemented For Public Employees In Hawaii.

Impact

By requiring the task force to review previous studies and pilot projects, including notable cases like Utah's government four-day work week, SR131 aims to reveal how such a schedule could lead to significant benefits. The bill suggests possible outcomes such as increased energy savings, reduced commuter traffic, and overall improvements in employee morale and health. The task force is tasked with identifying barriers to implementing a four-day work week and recommending actionable procedures for the State.

Summary

Senate Resolution SR131 requests the Department of Labor and Industrial Relations to establish a Four-Day Work Week Task Force aimed at assessing the implementation of more flexible work hours, specifically a four-day work week for public employees in Hawaii. This initiative is prompted by evolving work conditions necessitated by the COVID-19 pandemic, highlighting the need for a shift towards improved employee health and work-life balance. The resolution outlines the need for a thorough evaluation to enhance job satisfaction without compromising productivity.

Contention

One potential point of contention surrounding SR131 lies in the practical implications for state operations and public employee roles. Critics may argue that a four-day work week could impact service availability and operational efficiency, necessitating a careful balance between employee well-being and public service responsibilities. Additionally, there may be challenges in coordinating schedules across various departments and addressing the needs of individual employees within the diverse public workforce.