The Town of Plainville is pleased to announce the commencement of an innovative six-month pilot program aimed at enhancing services for our residents while adopting a four-day work week schedule for our dedicated staff.

Beginning on Monday, Aug. 21, the Plainville Municipal Center, Recreation Department and Youth Services Department will be adjusting their hours of operation to provide extended accessibility to the community. The revised hours of operation will be as follows: Monday to Wednesday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Thursday, 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. The Municipal Center, Recreation Department and Youth Services Department will be closed Fridays.

The Senior Center, an integral part of our community, will also be participating in this pilot program, offering the following hours: Monday, 8 a.m. to 6 p.m; Tuesday to Thursday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. The Senior Center will be closed Fridays.

This pilot program has been designed with two key objectives in mind. First and foremost, it aims to provide our residents with extended hours of operation, ensuring ample opportunities to access and benefit from the diverse range of services offered by the town.

Additionally, the adoption of a four-day work week is a significant step toward innovative work practices in response to the evolving needs of our workforce. The four-day work week is widely recognized for its popularity nationwide and is considered a pivotal factor in remaining competitive in today’s hiring environment. In Connecticut, towns, such as Vernon and Mansfield, have also successfully implemented similar schedules.

While many private companies and government entities, such as the State of Connecticut, have successfully implemented hybrid work environments, we recognized that this approach might not suit Plainville's unique circumstances due to the size of our staff and the importance of remaining accessible to the community.

“We are thrilled to embark on this pilot program, offering extended hours to our community while adopting a four-day work week for our staff,” Town Manager Michael Paulhus said. “This forward-thinking approach reflects our commitment to better serve both our residents and employees, enhancing their experience with the Town of Plainville.”

During the six-month pilot program, Town Administration will gather feedback from the community and employees to assess the impact of the extended hours and the four-day work week. For further information and updates about the pilot program, visit the municipal website, plainvillect.com.