Implementing a commute options program is often associated with benefits for employees, but the City of Fayetteville has shown that these programs can provide citizens with benefits too.

The City of Fayetteville worked with The Clean Air Campaign to roll out a compressed workweek in which employees work four 10-hour days per week. This program was a good fit for the city for several reasons: it enabled the city to extend its business hours, making services available at times more convenient for residents; and the schedule allows the city to provide a benefit to employees without extending budgetary needs.

In the first month, more than 500 citizens took advantage of the extra hours and that number has continued to increase each month. On the customer service survey, citizens were asked if the hours were useful to them and more than 50 percent responded positively.

The city has also benefited from increased productivity and reduced absenteeism among employees, who view the schedule as an added benefit.