by Rachel Coleman, SCCC
Seward County Community College will begin summer hours May 15, working longer days Monday through Thursday. The campus closure on Fridays has long served as a cost-saving measure during the hot days of summer. This year’s switch to summer hours, though, comes with a twist: employees on campus will shorten work days slightly, clocking 36 hours a week.
The college will pay employees for 40 hours of work as a benefit focused on increasing productivity and employee satisfaction. The measure was approved by the board and will be evaluated in August to determine cost effectiveness and efficiency. In their meeting, President Brad Bennett noted that most of SCCC’s peer institutions have adopted a similar schedule and have found it improves employee morale and effectiveness.
“This is something we are trying for this summer,” said SCCC Human Resources Director Charlotte Peterson. “In August, we will evaluate and determine whether we stick with the 9-hour workday or go back to the 10-hour workday for summers.”
Regular hours on campus during the summer will be 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., Monday through Thursday. Campus will be closed on Fridays. Summer hours wrap up on July 27.
