Foray into four-day.

• Position: TRENDS AND TRANSITIONS - Brief article

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Utah is experimenting with a four-day work week for one year to see if the state can save on energy costs.

Thousands of government employees are working 10-hour days, Monday through Thursday. Officials hope that by turning off the lights, the heat and the air conditioning on Fridays in a third of all government buildings, the state will save about $3 million a year (out of an $11 billion budget). Employees are also saving money on gasoline.

Many state offices will extend their hours and stay open from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. so people can use government services before or after work.

While 17,000 to 24,000 executive branch employees are enjoying their free Fridays, state police officers, prison guards and employees of courts and universities are still working five...