Clear Creek rising

unique within city government,” Vargo said.

Overall, Vargo and Dale Whelehan of 4 Day WorkWeek Global expected the four-day workweek to enhance employees’ mental and physical health by reducing stress and improving their sleep habits. Vargo noted how it also gives employees an extra day for doctor’s appointments and other errands that typically interrupt the workday.

(Not) Workin’ for a livin’

Starting July 10, Harvey said GPD employees will start transitioning to eight-hour shifts over four days, depending on the employee and position. He hoped to capitalize on the overlap between o cers’ shift schedules, saying he wanted to create “power shifts” where more o cers will be working during high-volume times.

Regarding overtime, city o cials stated overtime won’t accrue until an employee exceeds 40 hours for the week. GPD sta will still be paid for 40 hours, but should only work 32 during the six-month trial.

Harvey and Vargo said GPD employees will likely average closer to 40 hours a week at the beginning, as everyone adjusts to the new schedules and work practices. However, most employees should be averaging 32 hours by January, if not sooner, Vargo continued.

Vargo said there might be some jobs, whether in GPD or in other city departments, where a four-day workweek wouldn’t make sense. But, considering it’s a trial period, he continued, Golden will see how everything plays out.

The Golden Police Department moving all its employees from 40-hour workweeks to 32-hour ones without a change in pay, as part of a trial program for the City of Golden. If successful, the city hopes to make the same change to other departments.

A few of the May 22 listening session attendees asked why city o cials aren’t reducing time in meetings, minimizing distractions and so forth, while keeping a 40-hour workweek.

Vargo emphasized how Golden’s employees are its greatest asset, saying the city wants to be “the employer of choice.” If the four-day workweek is successful and improves employee retention and recruitment, he said it could save the city hundreds of thousands of dollars in hiring, retraining and lost productivity.

“Even if it’s a failure, part of what I’m trying to do at the city is create a culture a creativity, innovation and risk-taking,” Vargo continued. “ … e community is changing, and the demands on (city sta ) are changing. And we can’t continue to do things the same way we’ve done them if we’re going to meet those new demands.”

For more information, visit GuidingGolden. com/the-best-for-golden.

YOUR

A paddleboarder navigates May 24’s higher water levels at Clear Creek Whitewater Park. On May 24, the creek was under a yellow flag warning for moderate to high flows, meaning the creek is open to all uses but everyone should proceed with caution. Throughout the summer, all creek users should check the creek safety status before recreating in the water.