I can't imagine this being a viable option for the higher-ups, but I think it could be really great for productivity in general. Many of us in publishing work freelance gigs on top of regular working hours, and this will provide a way to focus more on (and be less stressed by) the freelance. Kind of like an unpaid version of Google's personal project insistence--designed to keep the mind fresh and creative juices flowing.

is this the usual we'll pay you for four, but because we've fired everyone else, you'll still work five anyway because there is so much work?

Are the executives doing the same thing (wouldn't it mean one less expensive lunch out), isn't it lead by example.

But everyone will still be expected to do the same amount of work, right?

Good point, Corinna. I doubt they expect 20% lower output from the staff.

I'll be able to cut my 60 hour work week down to 48 and be paid for 29 instead of 36.25. Sounds promising...

They will be taking the work home of course!

This is what happens when accountants run magazines and not magazine people.

don't you get it?? this is so that you are not laid off. 20% less is more than 100% less. why are you so comfortable that you don't see what's happening here?

I would remind all of those that recessions aren't fair! Nobody loves these dark days or the decisions that we must make in them - but at least they are looking at ways to retain jobs instead of cutting heads and they are keeping their word until December 2009. Growth is expected in Canada in 2010 again. It might just be want is needed to get through the year. Hang in there people this won't last forever.

I guess they should be happy that they still have a job. I don't and I would take 4 days and 20% less just so I could pay my current debts and rising bills!

Cynics with a knack for irony. In Canadian magazines? Who'da thunk it? This arrangement is primarily of interest to people in support roles where the recession means there will be less work to do -- such as transcribing insertion orders into the ad tracking system, or processing pages in the pre-press department. Any sentient RPL employee should be able to determine whether all of their work can get done in four days, and if it can't, they won't sign up. And RPL will reject the applications of people whose work won't get done in four days. By the way, this is a pretty conventional way for employees to avoid layoffs during economic downturns, and there are countless people in the workforce today who are thankful they were offered a reduced work week rather than issued a pink slip.

Be certain they already have an expense reduction target set. There will be an "easy way" and a "hard way" to achieve that target. Seeking out four day volunteers is the "easy way". When there aren't enough of them, you can guess what the "hard way" will be. But they WILL reach that target. No big deal though, according to JM, they believe in their Brands more than their People anyhow!

What a bunch of whiners. Be lucky you have a job and give your company some credit for finding ways of keeping you employed until this recession is over. This must be coming from Gen-Exers who have little affinity for the work ethic and no wisdom from experience. This should be a wake-up call.