Human ResourcesCompressed Workweek Pilot Program FAQs

What is a summer compressed workweek?

Compressed workweeks allow full-time staff members to work a traditional five-day workweek in four workdays. The pilot contains eleven consecutive compressed workweeks starting in June and ending in August. The weeks affected in 2023 are from Sunday, June 4th through Saturday, August 19th.

What if my immediate supervisor and I cannot agree on a workable schedule? 

Department leadership has sole responsibility for determining all work schedules. Staff may work with their division leader and the Office of Human Resources to resolve scheduling arrangements.

How will summer scheduling affect my lunch and break periods? 

Summer compressed workweek scheduling will have a minimal effect on lunch and break periods. Lunch breaks can be taken in 30- or 60-minute periods. The staff should obtain approval from their supervisor if a certain lunch break is requested. Staff must take a 30-minute lunch break before their sixth consecutive hour of work to comply with Massachusetts law.

How will vacation/sick/excused leave be requested and deducted during the compressed workweek pilot? 

Hourly/non-exempt staff will enter vacation, excused, or sick time-off requests (as applicable) for the number of scheduled work hours they miss. Salaried/exempt staff participating in the compressed workweek pilot will enter vacation, excused, and sick time requests in day increments. For example: If you are working 10-hour days and you take two vacation leave days, 20 hours (not 16 hours) of vacation leave are deducted from your leave balance.

What about bereavement leave and absences due to civic duty? 

Absences due to bereavement and civic leave are paid according to the number of hours absent from work. 

How will Juneteenth and Independence day be handled during this schedule?

For these weeks only, in observance of Juneteenth and Independence Day, there will be no compressed workweek, and staff will work regular hours.

If a staff member is out on an approved leave of absence, do they qualify for a compressed workweek?

No, staff on an approved leave of absence are not eligible for a compressed workweek.

Who can I contact for more information or assistance? 

Contact your Human Resources Business Partner (HRBP) for more information.  If you need asssistance being directed to your HRBP, please contact hr@amherst.edu or 413-542-2372.