TIMMINS - More than half of the Cochrane District Services Board (CDSB) workers eligible for a compressed work week are opting in.
The organization is expanding its condensed work schedule program following a successful pilot that began in early 2024.
At the CDSB meeting on Feb. 20, CDSB CAO Brian Marks highlighted the benefits of the program.
Over 60 staff have signed up, he said.
The changes mean all of the CDSB offices will be open during the noon hour starting March 3.
The offices are currently open Monday to Friday from 8:30 a.m. to noon, and again from 1 p.m. to 4:15 p.m.
Marks said the change will improve access to employment and housing support.
“People who work, quite often can't get into our office between the hours of noon and one. So I think this is a big step forward,” he said.
He also noted that offering flexible scheduling options enhances recruitment efforts.
“This also provides a much-needed incentive when it comes to recruitment, because this is what younger employees are being attracted to, these kinds of environments. So it definitely keeps us in the running as an employer of choice,” he said.
CDSB initially introduced the compressed work schedule pilot in January 2024 within the finance department.
Throughout the year, the program was rolled out to the children's service department, Cadence Residence, system of care division, housing and community development, and services department.
Currently, 57 per cent of eligible employees have opted into the program. Of those, 36 per cent have chosen a four-day workweek, while 21 per cent have opted for a nine-day biweekly schedule.
So far, 64 employees have transitioned to the new schedule, with an additional 17 employees set to do so by Feb. 24.
Approvals were granted based on individual requests, as well as departmental and staffing needs.
A review of the compressed work schedule program is planned for early June. The review will assess attendance records, employee satisfaction, managerial feedback, and the program’s impact on recruitment and employee retention.
Any necessary adjustments will be made based on the findings.