How does a four-day work week sound?

Some employers are cutting hours to prevent layoffs

First, the good news: More U.S. companies are giving employees an extra day off each week. Yippee!
Now, the bad news: Yeah, you’re not getting paid for that day. Yippee.

According to a recent article in BusinessWeek, employers who want to cut costs are experimenting with a four-day, 32-hour work week. This allows them to avoid layoffs and hang on to experienced workers while waiting for the economy to get better.

What should you do if your employer announces cuts in your hours? First of all, don’t slack. Work just a little harder in the hours you still have so everything gets done. The more your manager sees that you’re committed to the company, the more valuable you’ll be—and the better your chances if layoffs do happen.

Also, don’t panic. Examine your household budget and see if you can get by on 80% of your pay. If not, start looking for an additional part-time job with flexible hours. Some good picks are restaurant jobs, retail jobs and jobs that allow you to work from home.

Find Jobs now with:

• Harris Teeter
• Walmart
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