Perth South approves summer schedule changes aimed at improving efficiency, work-life balance

Perth South council has approved two new initiatives designed to make better use of staff time while supporting improved work-life balance during the summer season.

At its April 7 meeting, council approved a change to the public works department’s summer work schedule, moving from a traditional five-day, eight-hour work week to a four-day, 10-hour-per-day schedule. Council also approved a summer hours pilot program that will allow municipal office staff to shorten their lunch breaks to close the municipal office early on Friday afternoons.

“Similar ideas here, but they are from different perspectives,” township chief administrative officer (CAO) Will Jaques told council. “… From the public works perspective, under normal circumstances, this type of decision would be management based – making sure that the right employees are at the right spot at the right time. But in fairness to council, we did think it appropriate to bring forward.

“… For public works in particular, I can tell you that this is quite a common process for many municipalities during the summer months. Part of it is certainly a benefit to the operator, but there’s much more benefit to the municipality.”

According to a staff report presented by Jacques and deputy CAO/treasurer Tracy Johnson, the revised public works schedule is intended to improve operational efficiency and productivity while providing staff with greater flexibility during the summer construction and maintenance season.

Under the approved change, public works staff will work four 10-hour days each week between June 1 and Sept. 30, with the possibility of starting as early as May 1 depending on coordination with subcontractors and service providers.

Staff noted that longer workdays allow operators such as grader and mower crews to remain in the field for longer periods without needing to return to the shop early, reducing travel time and minimizing disruptions to projects. The extended workday is also expected to create more time for equipment maintenance, helping ensure machinery remains in good working condition throughout the busy summer season.

The report also highlights the benefit of a consistent additional weekday off, typically Friday, giving employees more time for personal appointments, errands and family commitments without needing to take time off during regular work hours.

Staff noted the schedule change may also reduce overtime costs while supporting the township’s strategic priority of delivering efficient municipal services.

“If you’re telling me everything is going to be covered, I’m all for it,” Coun. Jeff Bell said. “I’ve been in similar situations … and maybe if there’s one full-time employee or they rotate or whatever where someone’s got Monday off and they work Tuesday to Friday (that would) just ensure there’s always staff in.

“I’m not directing you on how to approach it, but to me it certainly makes sense and I support it.”

Others around the council table echoed Bell’s support for the initiative, with Coun. Jaime Martin pointing out it makes the township a more attractive employer by offering greater work-life balance.

Councillors did note, however, there could be some complications when it comes to coordinating staff hours with the schedules of contractors and subcontractors. Johnson said staff will clearly communicate any schedule changes to the township’s outside contractors, and either they will adjust their schedules, or the township will adjust staff schedules to ensure all necessary work is completed under township supervision.

Council also approved a summer hours pilot program that will allow administrative staff to adjust their lunch schedules to allow for an earlier office closure on Fridays.

Under the pilot program, staff will be permitted to shorten their lunch break to 30 minutes Monday through Thursday and forego a lunch break entirely on Fridays, allowing the accumulated time to be applied toward closing the municipal office at 1:30 p.m. each Friday from the first full week of June until the Labour Day weekend.

According to the staff report, walk-in traffic at the municipal office is typically minimal on Friday afternoons during the summer months, reducing the impact of the earlier closure on residents. Staff will continue to monitor operational needs to ensure any essential Friday afternoon services remain available if required.

Municipal staff identified the pilot program as a no-cost initiative intended to support recruitment and retention efforts while promoting employee morale and productivity.

“It might be a little more about work-life balance, it might be a little more about something staff can (take advantage of) a little bit, but not at the risk of the ratepayer,” Jaques said. “Having said that, I appreciate fully that there would be fewer office hours and less availability on that Friday.

“… We are in 2026, which is an election year. There may be things on a Friday that need to be done. Staff will adjust accordingly for that. Very much the same if the office needs to be open for something. If someone has to be there on Friday, we will make those same adjustments.”

The pilot program will be evaluated at the end of the summer, with staff expected to report back to council on any benefits or challenges and provide recommendations on whether the program should continue in future years.