Amazon testing 30-hour work week for some employees

NEW YORK (FOX5NY) - 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.