Amazon testing 30-hour work week for some employees

Loading Video…

This browser does not support the Video element.

Whatever current work schedule, our dream schedule, our best schedule, at some point or another most of us who abide by a schedule decided by someone else to economically support ourselves desire a little more flexibility.

Amazon announced last week it planned to try out some of that flexible scheduling by offering a test group of employees three-quarters of a salary, full-time-employee status and full benefits in exchange for a 30-hour-work-week.

Time Inc. Chief Human Resources Officer Greg Giangrande says Amazon -- and every other company -- is smart to explore alternatives like the 30-hour week working with its workers to find the best scheduling option for both employee and employer. He says it gives a company greater ability to attract and retain talent.

Because the best employees often aren't the ones willing to work every available shift all in a row without sleep until they die. They're moms and dads and freelancers and vacation-takers and those looking for something different than a Monday-through-Friday 9-to-5.

By offering fewer hours or fewer days or work-from-home days or any number of other scheduling options, companies might also inspire loyalty in their charges and thereby increase their productivity.

Amazon is testing this program with only a few dozen employees. To start, all those working 30-hour weeks will work on teams with only other 30-hour-a-week employees.