US - Utah will be the first state in the US to institute a mandatory four-day work week for most of the state employees in a bid to save money, energy and resources.

The change will affect 17,000 employees, or roughly 80% of Utah's total workforce, and will take effect on August 4. However, public universities, the state court system, prisons and other critical services will be exempted from the change.

This is a move taken by the state to improve customer service, employee flexibility, increase energy efficiency and reduce 20% of the state's carbon footprint by 2015.

Beyond the energy and financial implications, a shorter work week usually leads to an improved "work-life balance", says Rex Facer, assistant professor at Brigham Young University. "They're looking for ways to enhance their work-life balance. Alternative work schedules offer more of this work-life balance than do traditional work schedules."

Across the country, Facer estimates that about one-sixth of US cities with populations above 25,000 offer employees a four-day work week, based on his team's continuing survey of 150 city human resources directors.

However, there are a few adjustments that need to be made. "One thing that has to be changed is the level of expectation from taxpayers, because they've always wanted five-day access," says Jacqueline Byers, director of research at the National Association of Countries Byers. "They have to adjust to offices that are open longer on weekdays, but closed on Fridays."