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Hawthorne council directs staff to research four‑10 workweek pilot for city staff
Summary
After a lengthy discussion about access, staffing and employee morale, the council asked staff to return with a proposal and analysis on a possible four‑10 (four 10‑hour days) schedule and recommended a six‑month pilot and department‑specific staffing plans.
The Hawthorne City Council voted to direct staff to research a four‑10 schedule for front‑facing city departments and return with a proposed pilot program and implementation options.
Mayor Pro Tem raised the proposal, arguing a predictable Monday‑through‑Thursday window would improve employee morale, reduce commutes and provide consistent resident service hours. He said the schedule could lengthen daily hours so residents would not be surprised when offices are closed on Fridays and noted possible environmental and utility savings.
Police Chief Lane and HR representatives explained operational limits: patrol uses 12.5‑hour shifts, detectives work 4/10 and records/jail staff operate other schedules. City Manager Van Bayer reported that department directors had vetted the idea and overwhelmingly expressed interest; HR confirmed bargaining units (except police) have previously sought a 4/10 option. The city manager recommended a pilot (July 1 start) to gather data on customer access, utility costs, overtime reduction and staff retention.
Council discussion emphasized safeguards: keep emergency and core services staffed; maintain code enforcement and public‑works coverage; survey the workforce and return a staff report outlining options and a pilot design. A motion was amended to direct staff to research the options, consult departments and unions, and return with a staff report showing proposed pilot timelines and measurements. The motion passed unanimously.
Key points - City Manager: directors support exploring a pilot; recommended six‑month pilot and department‑specific staffing plans. - Police Chief: patrol staffing remains on existing 3‑12.5 hour rotation; detectives already work 4/10. - HR: bargaining units (except police) have previously requested 4/10 and staff are interested.
What council asked staff to return with - A staff report detailing different 4/10 models, departments that must remain on alternative schedules, projected utility and overtime impacts, and a recommended pilot period and evaluation metrics.
Quote from the meeting "In my 5 years here, this item has come up and a majority of city staff has asked for this schedule in negotiations," the city manager reported, urging a pilot to measure impacts.
What’s next Staff will produce a detailed agenda report with pilot options, a proposed start date, projected savings/costs, and recommended performance metrics for council to vote on.
