A four-day workweek could be a possibility for certain companies. Tevis Gale, founder of Balance Integration, recommends that employers assess the function of a shorter workweek before changing the schedule.

“The shorter workweek should be considered on a case by case basis,” according to Gale. “Considered with an eye on how to create a sustainable model for the employee.”

With the common five-day workweek, most employees are already working around nine hours per day. If it is increased to a 10 to 12 hour workday, four times a week, productivity may be affected when working so many hours, according to Gale. The extra day off may not be a relief to employees.

If employers decide to decrease the workdays, Gale recommends giving workers time to adapt to the new agenda. A work-life balance will be more challenging in four days; therefore, it may not be beneficial for all employees. On-site programming is a possible method to help workers find more of a work/life balance.

If the company switches to four days, it doesn’t necessarily mean all of the work will be completed. What if other clients and vendors operate on a five-day workweek schedule? How can the business accommodate customers in four days?

Gale emphasizes that altering the workweek is more than looking at sale numbers or the company’s productivity; it also includes the employees’ work/life situations.

Employers should begin by observing the function, followed by weighing the costs. Then decide which workers will have this four-day option. Will it be available to all employees? Are there any hidden costs, and how will this option be created? And what programs will be made available to help employees with the transition?

Companies need to figure out how to manage the four days in order to develop a reasonable schedule for everyone in the office, according to Gale.

For more information, visit www.balanceintegration.com.

SEND THE COVER LETTER

Job-seekers need to remember to include a cover letter with their resumes. Although the job search process is mainly done via e-mail, the cover letter is still important to companies. Eighty-six percent of executives, according to a survey by OfficeTeam, a staffing service that questioned 150 senior executives, say the cover letters are still significant when assessing job applicants.

A large majority of respondents receive cover letters. Thirty-seven percent of executives say it is a very common practice and 43 percent say it is somewhat common. Only 18 percent of executives say cover letters aren’t common at all, and 2 percent are unsure.

“Submitting a resume without a cover letter is like not shaking hands when meeting someone for the first time,” says Dave Willmer, executive director. “Those who aren’t including cover letters with their resumes are missing an opportunity to make a good impression and set themselves apart from other job applicants.”

OfficeTeam suggests guidelines to assist job candidates in creating influential cover letters:

— Write down names. Address your letter to a certain hiring manager rather than a general greeting. If you aren’t sure of the name, call the company to ask.

— Do your research. Find out information about the business in order to include how your skills can benefit the company.

— Add additional information. Provide professional development courses or volunteer programs that demonstrate your willingness to keep your skills up-to-date.

— Keep the letter to a page. Save the rest of the information for your resume.

— Create a plan. Show your excitement for the job, and discuss the possibility of meeting in person to talk more about the position.

— Check for grammar. Review for typos and errors. Give to a friend or mentor for a second opinion.

“A cover letter should demonstrate the applicant’s knowledge of the company, highlight applicable skills and work experience, and explain any resume anomalies, such as extended employment gaps,” Willmer adds.

For more information, visit www.officeteam.com.

To find out more about Amy Winter and read features by other Creators Syndicate writers and cartoonists, visit the Creators Syndicate website at www.creators.com.

COPYRIGHT 2008 CREATORS SYNDICATE INC.