The Best for Golden

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A hand flips a wooden block from 5 to 4 so all the blocks read "4 Day Work Week".

6-Month Update Raw Data

The following document encapsulates all of the raw data from the 6-month Compressed Workweek Pilot with the Golden Police Department from July 10- December 31, 2023. City staff are working on ways to refine the raw data to be more user-friendly in the future, but to be timely in response to the community’s request, we are providing this data in its current format.

6-Month Update: February 8, 2024

The pilot reached the end of its 6-month trial on December 31, 2023. A community meeting was held on February 8 in Council Chambers to discuss the overall findings of the pilot and to answer questions.

If you were unable to attend, you can view the 6-Month Pilot Update Meeting online and read the full press release.

3-Month Update: November 9, 2023

The pilot reached the midway point of the 6-month trial on September 30, 2023. During this time, and for the remainder of the pilot, the GPD collected data on various metrics to determine its success and explore opportunities to expand the program to other city departments.

The overall findings from the midway point of the pilot are promising. With safety and service of the community as the City’s top priority, the assessment measured over 100 metrics, with increased productivity in many areas. Using tools of time management, meeting efficiency, and process improvement through classes, training, and evaluations, the data shows many areas of improvement and some opportunities for further evaluation.

Pilot Program Launches - July 10, 2023

On July 10, 2023, the City of Golden launched a 4-Day Workweek Pilot at the Golden Police Department (GPD) in which all GPD employees moved from a 40-hour workweek to a 32-hour workweek.

Trial Goals:

  • Improve employee retention and engagement
  • Increase employee well-being
  • Elevate efficiency in city operations while maintaining policing services without interruption
  • Create a better Golden for us all to live and work in

To determine the success of the pilot and explore the opportunity to expand the program to other city departments, GPD will collect and publicly report on various metrics midway through the pilot and at the end of the pilot period on December 31, 2023.

View the Pilot Launch Report for more information about the metrics that will be used to determine the success of the trial.

Update: May 23, 2023

Watch a recording of the Community Listening Session if you weren't able to make it out in-person on May 22.

The City of Golden is launching “The Best for Golden” a 4-Day Workweek Program Trial

The City of Golden strives to be a regional leader, bringing new innovations to government. This summer, the City is launching a 4-day workweek program trial for all Police Department employees who will move from a 40-hour work week to a 32-hour work week without a change to pay. The City is partnering in the development and evaluation of the trial with the non-profit organization 4 Day Week Global (4DWG) who are leaders in promoting the benefits of a productivity-focused and reduced-hour workplace.

“We are calling this trial program 'The Best for Golden' because we believe that the 4-day workweek will raise the bar on our service to the City of Golden by improving employee retention and engagement, increasing employee wellbeing, and elevating efficiency in our operations. Organizations around the world, including governments, have seen important benefits from adopting a 4-day workweek, and we are excited for Golden to be the first city in our region to experiment with this innovative program.”

-Scott Vargo, City of Golden City Manager

The Police Department has been chosen as the pilot group because of their flexibility around scheduling changes, the 24 hour/3 shift coverage needs, variety of positions, multi-generational staff, and the data-driven nature inherent within law enforcement. The trial will be conducted in July 2023 and is expected to run through the end of the year, and include all employees in the Golden Police Department. The trial’s success will be evaluated using metrics, including employee productivity and engagement, service to the city, potential reduction in overtime, reduced use of sick leave, and recruiting and retention. Tracking and measuring the success of the program will happen throughout the trial, with updates provided to the community at the three- and six-month marks. If the trial is successful, the City will look into expanding to other city departments.

The City is in the process of refining schedules and expectations to ensure public safety and service to our community remain the top priority. We will closely monitor metrics and any impacts to make improvements to the trial throughout the six months as lessons are learned. City service levels and days open will not change, nor will patrol staffing and coverage. This 4-day workweek means working less hours and doing work differently. It does NOT mean working less and doing less.

“Frontline workers have been placed under significant pressure over the last few years, particularly with the public health restricted movements mandates we saw during the COVID-19. This has undoubtedly led to higher levels of burnout in the policing profession, eroding of their personal wellbeing and a likely impact on professional performance. A 4-day workweek helps in addressing the longstanding structural issues which perpetuate fatigue in the profession, leading to not just an opportunity to rethink the policing workforce, but also improve policing standards for the 21st century complex society we live in."

- Dale Whelehan, CEO, 4 Day WorkWeek Global to City of Golden PD Trial

6-Month Update Raw Data

The following document encapsulates all of the raw data from the 6-month Compressed Workweek Pilot with the Golden Police Department from July 10- December 31, 2023. City staff are working on ways to refine the raw data to be more user-friendly in the future, but to be timely in response to the community’s request, we are providing this data in its current format.

6-Month Update: February 8, 2024

The pilot reached the end of its 6-month trial on December 31, 2023. A community meeting was held on February 8 in Council Chambers to discuss the overall findings of the pilot and to answer questions.

If you were unable to attend, you can view the 6-Month Pilot Update Meeting online and read the full press release.

3-Month Update: November 9, 2023

The pilot reached the midway point of the 6-month trial on September 30, 2023. During this time, and for the remainder of the pilot, the GPD collected data on various metrics to determine its success and explore opportunities to expand the program to other city departments.

The overall findings from the midway point of the pilot are promising. With safety and service of the community as the City’s top priority, the assessment measured over 100 metrics, with increased productivity in many areas. Using tools of time management, meeting efficiency, and process improvement through classes, training, and evaluations, the data shows many areas of improvement and some opportunities for further evaluation.

Pilot Program Launches - July 10, 2023

On July 10, 2023, the City of Golden launched a 4-Day Workweek Pilot at the Golden Police Department (GPD) in which all GPD employees moved from a 40-hour workweek to a 32-hour workweek.

Trial Goals:

  • Improve employee retention and engagement
  • Increase employee well-being
  • Elevate efficiency in city operations while maintaining policing services without interruption
  • Create a better Golden for us all to live and work in

To determine the success of the pilot and explore the opportunity to expand the program to other city departments, GPD will collect and publicly report on various metrics midway through the pilot and at the end of the pilot period on December 31, 2023.

View the Pilot Launch Report for more information about the metrics that will be used to determine the success of the trial.

Update: May 23, 2023

Watch a recording of the Community Listening Session if you weren't able to make it out in-person on May 22.

The City of Golden is launching “The Best for Golden” a 4-Day Workweek Program Trial

The City of Golden strives to be a regional leader, bringing new innovations to government. This summer, the City is launching a 4-day workweek program trial for all Police Department employees who will move from a 40-hour work week to a 32-hour work week without a change to pay. The City is partnering in the development and evaluation of the trial with the non-profit organization 4 Day Week Global (4DWG) who are leaders in promoting the benefits of a productivity-focused and reduced-hour workplace.

“We are calling this trial program 'The Best for Golden' because we believe that the 4-day workweek will raise the bar on our service to the City of Golden by improving employee retention and engagement, increasing employee wellbeing, and elevating efficiency in our operations. Organizations around the world, including governments, have seen important benefits from adopting a 4-day workweek, and we are excited for Golden to be the first city in our region to experiment with this innovative program.”

-Scott Vargo, City of Golden City Manager

The Police Department has been chosen as the pilot group because of their flexibility around scheduling changes, the 24 hour/3 shift coverage needs, variety of positions, multi-generational staff, and the data-driven nature inherent within law enforcement. The trial will be conducted in July 2023 and is expected to run through the end of the year, and include all employees in the Golden Police Department. The trial’s success will be evaluated using metrics, including employee productivity and engagement, service to the city, potential reduction in overtime, reduced use of sick leave, and recruiting and retention. Tracking and measuring the success of the program will happen throughout the trial, with updates provided to the community at the three- and six-month marks. If the trial is successful, the City will look into expanding to other city departments.

The City is in the process of refining schedules and expectations to ensure public safety and service to our community remain the top priority. We will closely monitor metrics and any impacts to make improvements to the trial throughout the six months as lessons are learned. City service levels and days open will not change, nor will patrol staffing and coverage. This 4-day workweek means working less hours and doing work differently. It does NOT mean working less and doing less.

“Frontline workers have been placed under significant pressure over the last few years, particularly with the public health restricted movements mandates we saw during the COVID-19. This has undoubtedly led to higher levels of burnout in the policing profession, eroding of their personal wellbeing and a likely impact on professional performance. A 4-day workweek helps in addressing the longstanding structural issues which perpetuate fatigue in the profession, leading to not just an opportunity to rethink the policing workforce, but also improve policing standards for the 21st century complex society we live in."

- Dale Whelehan, CEO, 4 Day WorkWeek Global to City of Golden PD Trial

Questions

What do you want the City of Golden to be looking for as we evaluate if a 4 day workweek is right for the City? Submit any questions you have about the 4-Day Work Week Trial here and staff will get back to you with an answer.

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  • Share Did you record the 8/22/24 meeting about the 32 hour work week? If so,where can we watch it? on Facebook Share Did you record the 8/22/24 meeting about the 32 hour work week? If so,where can we watch it? on Twitter Share Did you record the 8/22/24 meeting about the 32 hour work week? If so,where can we watch it? on Linkedin Email Did you record the 8/22/24 meeting about the 32 hour work week? If so,where can we watch it? link

    Did you record the 8/22/24 meeting about the 32 hour work week? If so,where can we watch it?

    barb asked about 1 month ago

    Here’s the link to the recording of that meeting: https://goldenco.granicus.com/player/clip/5517?view_id=2&redirect=true, but it can be found under Special Presentations on the City Council, Boards, and Other page of the City's website also.

  • Share Will there be a year update? on Facebook Share Will there be a year update? on Twitter Share Will there be a year update? on Linkedin Email Will there be a year update? link

    Will there be a year update?

    NA asked about 2 months ago

    There was an update meeting held August 20. Here’s the link to the recording of that meeting: https://goldenco.granicus.com/player/clip/5517?view_id=2&redirect=true, but it can be found under Special Presentations on the City Council, Boards, and Other page of the City's website also.

  • Share Where can I find the 6-month check-in recording? on Facebook Share Where can I find the 6-month check-in recording? on Twitter Share Where can I find the 6-month check-in recording? on Linkedin Email Where can I find the 6-month check-in recording? link

    Where can I find the 6-month check-in recording?

    asked 8 months ago

    You can watch the 6-month check-in recording here.

  • Share How are you handling time off? If an employee takes a week off, do they get charged 40 hrs out of their leave bank or 32? How much comes out of their leave bank if they take 1,2, or 3 days off? on Facebook Share How are you handling time off? If an employee takes a week off, do they get charged 40 hrs out of their leave bank or 32? How much comes out of their leave bank if they take 1,2, or 3 days off? on Twitter Share How are you handling time off? If an employee takes a week off, do they get charged 40 hrs out of their leave bank or 32? How much comes out of their leave bank if they take 1,2, or 3 days off? on Linkedin Email How are you handling time off? If an employee takes a week off, do they get charged 40 hrs out of their leave bank or 32? How much comes out of their leave bank if they take 1,2, or 3 days off? link

    How are you handling time off? If an employee takes a week off, do they get charged 40 hrs out of their leave bank or 32? How much comes out of their leave bank if they take 1,2, or 3 days off?

    John R. asked about 1 year ago

    For time off, we may try several different approaches as we grow and learn through the trial. Currently, if employees take a week off, they will use 40 hours out of their leave bank.  If they take a day off it’s 10 hours for each day. This may change as the trial evolves.

  • Share How many certified law enforcement officers do you have in total? How many per shift and what is your minimum staffing for a shift? on Facebook Share How many certified law enforcement officers do you have in total? How many per shift and what is your minimum staffing for a shift? on Twitter Share How many certified law enforcement officers do you have in total? How many per shift and what is your minimum staffing for a shift? on Linkedin Email How many certified law enforcement officers do you have in total? How many per shift and what is your minimum staffing for a shift? link

    How many certified law enforcement officers do you have in total? How many per shift and what is your minimum staffing for a shift?

    Erin asked about 1 year ago

    We have 53 certified law enforcement officers when fully staffed. Days and swing shifts have a sergeant plus 5 officers, night shifts have a sergeant plus 4 officers. Again, these numbers are when fully staffed. Our minimum staffing level is a sergeant plus 2 officers.

  • Share How will the shifts break down as far as hours? You have 3 shifts, days and nights? What would the hours be? on Facebook Share How will the shifts break down as far as hours? You have 3 shifts, days and nights? What would the hours be? on Twitter Share How will the shifts break down as far as hours? You have 3 shifts, days and nights? What would the hours be? on Linkedin Email How will the shifts break down as far as hours? You have 3 shifts, days and nights? What would the hours be? link

    How will the shifts break down as far as hours? You have 3 shifts, days and nights? What would the hours be?

    King asked over 1 year ago

    The Golden Police Department will use different scheduling options throughout the trial to see which works best.  To start, officers will be divided into six teams, covering the week with two day teams, two afternoon teams and two night teams.  The week is split Sunday through Wednesday and Wednesday through Saturday.  Since Wednesday has all officers working, it will be used for training without impacting officers working in the community.  This schedule will include one or two officers from each shift coming in one hour earlier than the other officers.  This ensures coverage at the beginning and ending of each shift.  This schedule will be tried for about three months.  The second schedule that will be tried will have 10 shifts.  This will include the same breakdown as the first shift, but will spread some officers into four power shifts that cover mid-morning through mid-afternoon (10:00 am – 6:00 pm) and mid-afternoon through late evening (6:00 pm – 2:00 am).  We do plan to be flexible with the scheduling and open to trying alternatives if a specific schedule is not working well or we fine one that works better than other options.

     

  • Share Thank you for the responses. Two follow-ups. 1)How are you working this for non-full time employees? 2)How will you continue to comply with Colorado's Equal Pay for Equal work Act if everyone won't have the same number of hours per week? on Facebook Share Thank you for the responses. Two follow-ups. 1)How are you working this for non-full time employees? 2)How will you continue to comply with Colorado's Equal Pay for Equal work Act if everyone won't have the same number of hours per week? on Twitter Share Thank you for the responses. Two follow-ups. 1)How are you working this for non-full time employees? 2)How will you continue to comply with Colorado's Equal Pay for Equal work Act if everyone won't have the same number of hours per week? on Linkedin Email Thank you for the responses. Two follow-ups. 1)How are you working this for non-full time employees? 2)How will you continue to comply with Colorado's Equal Pay for Equal work Act if everyone won't have the same number of hours per week? link

    Thank you for the responses. Two follow-ups. 1)How are you working this for non-full time employees? 2)How will you continue to comply with Colorado's Equal Pay for Equal work Act if everyone won't have the same number of hours per week?

    Cory asked over 1 year ago

    1) There is no currently no schedule impact to those employees scheduled to work fewer than 40 hours, although they will benefit from training and other process improvements that are implemented within the trial. Should the trail be successful this would be a topic for us to address for the wider city.  

    2) The City of Golden is committed to adherence to the rules established in the Equal Pay for Equal Work Act, and to upholding pay equity and transparency as intended by the Act. In accordance, all job postings will continue to reflect pay ranges and benefits as applicable to each position. Upon implementation of a 4-day workweek, these postings will be revised to describe the intended schedule and that wages will be paid for 40 hours per week for full-time positions to accurately reflect the full base compensation. The described benefits available for these positions will also be updated to include the 4-day workweek as a component of total compensation and paid time off. 

    We recognize that with our employees operating on varied schedules to ensure continuity of City operations, the timing requirements of notice for promotional opportunities will require extension to ensure that all employees are afforded the opportunity to learn of and apply for promotional opportunities. 

    When conducting pay equity analyses of the workforce, all hourly salaries are annualized at 2080 hours per year to ensure fair comparison when evaluating salaries across groupings of similar jobs. 

    Record keeping practices will continue to ensure that wage rate histories and hours worked will be maintained for all employees. In the event of a claim resulting in liquidated damages for an hourly employee, the employee’s working hours will be based on 40 hours per week for weeks with less hours worked, and will include any overtime hours accrued within the period evaluated. 

    As the current trial is on a limited basis and various specifications of the program may require reconsideration and/or revision, all potential impacts to our compliance with the Equal Pay for Equal Work Act will be reviewed and revised appropriately prior to organization-wide implementation of the program. Therefore, the information cited above may be subject to change as the trial develops and the application of a 4-Day workweek is defined for the City. 

  • Share "The trial’s success will be evaluated using metrics, including employee productivity and engagement" - specifically how do you intend to measure "employee productivity and engagement"? on Facebook Share "The trial’s success will be evaluated using metrics, including employee productivity and engagement" - specifically how do you intend to measure "employee productivity and engagement"? on Twitter Share "The trial’s success will be evaluated using metrics, including employee productivity and engagement" - specifically how do you intend to measure "employee productivity and engagement"? on Linkedin Email "The trial’s success will be evaluated using metrics, including employee productivity and engagement" - specifically how do you intend to measure "employee productivity and engagement"? link

    "The trial’s success will be evaluated using metrics, including employee productivity and engagement" - specifically how do you intend to measure "employee productivity and engagement"?

    TJ asked over 1 year ago

    We are still finalizing those specific measures to prepare for the July 10th beginning of the trial. We will update the page with more information as it is finalized. In general we will be tracking:

    • Reduction in sick hours

    • Reduction in work comp claims (this data will require longer study periods)

    • Public interactions and overall police productivity using metrics to evaluate previous data against new data (number of contacts from Police, number of staff available, response times, etc.)

    • Time spent in meetings, trainings, other indirect work activities 

    • Financial savings from recruitment, retention, and training

    • Employee Satisfaction/Engagement pulse surveys


  • Share Do hourly employees in the police department begin accruing overtime pay after the first 32 hours of work if they are held over on a call? on Facebook Share Do hourly employees in the police department begin accruing overtime pay after the first 32 hours of work if they are held over on a call? on Twitter Share Do hourly employees in the police department begin accruing overtime pay after the first 32 hours of work if they are held over on a call? on Linkedin Email Do hourly employees in the police department begin accruing overtime pay after the first 32 hours of work if they are held over on a call? link

    Do hourly employees in the police department begin accruing overtime pay after the first 32 hours of work if they are held over on a call?

    Cory asked over 1 year ago

    Overtime will continue to accrue if/when an employee exceeds 40 hours of work. Pay will not be reduced for employees as they move to the 32 hour work week. Rather they will continue to be paid for 40 hours - 8 hours will be set aside and drawn from an "admin time" bank. As the trial begins it is likely employees will average closer to 40 hours of work per week. As the trial progresses and systems and work practices change we would expect to see average work hours decreasing, and perhaps reach the 32 hour week goal. However, during any given shift throughout the trial they may be held over and in those cases they will first draw from the the 8 hour "admin time" bank until reaching 40 hours for the week. If they work beyond 40 hours in the week those additional hours will be paid as overtime.

  • Share How does this change affect exempt employees? on Facebook Share How does this change affect exempt employees? on Twitter Share How does this change affect exempt employees? on Linkedin Email How does this change affect exempt employees? link

    How does this change affect exempt employees?

    Cory asked over 1 year ago

    Exempt employee schedules often fluctuate more than non-exempt employees. They are expected to put in the time necessary to accomplish the tasks of their job, this is generally assumed to be an average of 40 or more hours, although it may be considerable higher due to specific projects or circumstances. Work hours will continue to be flexible  with the goal over the trial for exempt employees to also reduce their work hours due to improved processes, meeting management and focused work practices.  We will be asking exempt employees if they are working more or less as a result of this trial. Our overall goal is great work/life integration which is likely to look different in different positions.  

Page last updated: 28 Aug 2024, 05:09 PM