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Approve a plan to implement an alternative "9/80" work schedule for First 5 Solano
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Published Notice Required? Yes_______ No___X___
Public Hearing Required? Yes_______ No___X___
DEPARTMENTAL RECOMMENDATION:
It is recommended that the Board approve a plan to implement an alternative "9/80" work schedule for First 5 Solano employees.
SUMMARY
First 5 Solano is organized administratively as a division of the County Administrator's Office. The First 5 Solano Executive Director, in consultation with the Department of Human Resources, has submitted a proposed "9/80" work schedule plan (Attachment A) for First 5 Solano staff which has been recommended by the County Administrator. Should the First 5 Solano alternative "9/80" work schedule plan be approved by the Board of Supervisors, the Executive Director will not be eligible to participate in the "9/80" work schedule. All other First 5 staff, subject to the Personnel and Salary Resolution and the appropriate meet-and-confer process with any and all applicable bargaining units, shall be eligible to participate as approved by the Executive Director.
DISCUSSION:
County Policy provides that any Department electing to have an alternative work schedule such as "9/80" shall have that action approved by the Board of Supervisors. The First 5 Solano Executive Director, in consultation with the Human Resources Department, has developed a proposed plan to offer First 5 Solano staff a "9/80" work schedule.
The nature of the work of First 5 Solano supports the utilization of a "9/80" work schedule. There is little "foot traffic" or direct public contact at the First 5 office. First 5's primary customers are its Commissioners and contractors (non-profit organizations and public agencies). Most customer and/or public contact is by telephone, email or at meetings or events held offsite. The 9/80 day off will be Friday. Staff will be assigned alternate schedules and will provide backup to each other to ensure office, telephone and meeting coverage on Fridays. There will be no reduction in First 5 Solano's hours of operation. First 5 will continue to maintain its high standards of customer service.
Potential benefits of the plan include increased employee productivity, decreased absenteeism/use of leave time and increased retention of staff (thus reducing training costs and enhancing succession planning) and improved employee morale, all contributing to a high-energy, high-achievement, high-quality work environment. In addition, a reduction in commute trips reduces the County's "carbon footprint" with no negative impact on customer service or productivity.
Note that First 5 and CAO staff has conducted extensive research on the history of alternative work schedules in the course of preparing this item. Requests and approvals for alternative work schedules and/or changes in hours of operation have arisen on a case-by-case, event-by-event basis over the years. Staff has not identified a specific Board action requiring that the Board of Supervisors approve alternative work schedules for departments. However, there is much evidence that the Board has assumed this responsibility over the years. In addition, arrangements for alternative work schedules have become commonly incorporated into the collective bargaining process, resulting in differing rules for different groups of employees.
While the County Administrator and Human Resources Director pursue further research and analysis into these items, they recommend that First 5 Solano be approved to move forward with its request to offer an alternative "9/80" work schedule. Any changes or standardization that may be recommended at a future date would include First 5 along with other affected departments.
FINANCIAL IMPACT:
First 5 Solano is funded by Proposition 10 tobacco tax funds. There is no cost to the General Fund
ALTERNATIVES:
The Board could elect not to approve implementation of a "9/80" work schedule for First 5 Solano employees. This is not recommended, as the plan is expected to be successfully implemented while maintaining high customer service standards.
OTHER AGENCY INVOLVEMENT:
The plan for the "9/80" work schedule plan for First 5 Solano employees was developed in consultation with the Human Resources Department, and the plan is recommended by the County Administrator.