Working smarter, not harder
When the new schedule was initially announced, social media commenters were quick to take digs at the county and its employees, arguing that if they could do their jobs in just 32 hours, they shouldn’t be paid for 40.
“We are all very used to the idea that the only way a job can get done is if you work 40 hours,” Merritt said. “We get some of that pushback, those statements like, ‘It’s not fair, you get to do your job in 32 and I have to do mine in 40.’ We are working more actively during our hours. It’s keeping us more focused and driven and working, and at the same time making us feel seen and acknowledged as humans and not just workers. We can get the work done in the 32 hours and now we have that extra time to take care of our families and ourselves and get another job if we want to.”