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San Juan County's 4-Day Work Week Saves $2 Million

  //travel-leisure.news-articles.net/content/2026/ .. an-county-s-4-day-work-week-saves-2-million.html
  Published in Travel and Leisure on Monday, February 9th 2026 at 11:11 GMT by KIRO-TV
      Locales: Washington, UNITED STATES

SAN JUAN COUNTY, Wash. - February 9th, 2026 - San Juan County, Washington is garnering national attention as a trailblazer in workplace innovation, proving that a reduced work week doesn't equate to reduced productivity or increased costs. What began as a pilot program in 2023 has blossomed into a permanent policy shift, saving the county nearly $2 million while simultaneously boosting employee morale and reducing its environmental impact.

County Administrator Wendy Streitz spearheaded the initiative, driven by a desire to attract and retain talent in a competitive job market and to explore more sustainable operational practices. "We were looking at ways to improve the lives of our employees while also being responsible stewards of taxpayer money," Streitz explained in an interview today. "The four-day work week felt like a bold but potentially rewarding step, and the results have far exceeded our expectations."

The core of the program involves condensing the standard 40-hour work week into 32 hours, spread across four days. Crucially, the county maintained all existing services - from emergency response to permitting and administrative functions - without compromising quality. This was achieved through strategic scheduling, cross-training of staff, and a focus on efficient workflows.

The financial benefits, totaling approximately $1.9 million to date, are multifaceted. A significant portion of the savings stems from reduced energy consumption. With county facilities closed for an extra day each week, electricity usage for lighting, heating, and cooling plummeted. Facility costs also decreased thanks to less wear and tear on buildings and reduced janitorial needs. Perhaps surprisingly, the county also saw a dramatic drop in overtime pay. Streitz attributes this to increased employee focus and wellbeing. "When people are less stressed and have more time to recharge, they're simply more productive during their working hours," she said.

The positive impact on employees is palpable. Surveys conducted by the county reveal widespread improvements in work-life balance, reduced stress levels, and increased job satisfaction. Employees report using their extra day off for a variety of pursuits, including spending time with family, pursuing hobbies, volunteering in the community, and simply prioritizing personal wellbeing. This, in turn, has fostered a more engaged and committed workforce, reducing employee turnover and associated recruitment costs.

Beyond the economic and employee benefits, the four-day work week is proving to be a significant win for the environment. The reduction in commuting days translates to fewer vehicles on the road, lowering carbon emissions and improving air quality. With less reliance on fossil fuels, San Juan County is making substantial progress towards its sustainability goals.

A Growing Trend?

San Juan County's success is part of a broader, growing movement towards shorter work weeks. Several companies and even entire nations are experimenting with four-day work weeks, driven by similar goals of increased productivity, improved employee wellbeing, and environmental sustainability. Recent studies have shown that reduced work weeks can lead to comparable, and in some cases increased, output levels. The key, experts say, lies in careful planning, clear communication, and a commitment to streamlining processes.

However, the transition is not without its challenges. Concerns remain about potential difficulties in industries requiring continuous operation, such as healthcare or emergency services. Adapting scheduling and ensuring adequate coverage require careful consideration. Furthermore, the success of a four-day work week often depends on a supportive company culture and a willingness to embrace new ways of working.

Looking Ahead

San Juan County is now sharing its experience and best practices with other local governments and organizations interested in exploring the four-day work week. Streitz believes the model has the potential to be replicated in a wide range of settings. "It's not a one-size-fits-all solution, but we've demonstrated that it's possible to create a more sustainable, equitable, and productive workplace by challenging traditional assumptions about work," she concluded. The county is currently analyzing data from the last two years to further refine the program and identify additional opportunities for improvement, solidifying its position as a leader in progressive workplace policy.