State employees may be heading out for the weekend a day sooner.
An extended weekend could become the norm, as Governor Granholm hopes to save them a little cash when it comes to gas.

"If we can find ways to help them with alternative schedules and encourage them to take advantage of that-- then that's good for their pocketbook and it saves them money," said Governor Granholm's Spokeswoman Liz Boyd.

Boyd is quick to add that alternative work schedules are voluntary, and it's hard to determine how many employees would participate.

But for Todd Kauffman who works in the state's Department of Transportation-- it's a no brainer.

"It's a good thing," said Kauffman. "Anything the state can do to help out. I think it'll work."

35% of state workforce is already on some form of an alternative work schedule. At least 8% of state workforce is using a compressed work week option which includes four 10-hour days.

"Certain work units that are never going to be eligible for this program, certainly people who are working in our correctional facilities need to be on the job 24/7," said Boyd.

The options are included in state employee union bargaining agreements-- and some union representatives believe a push from the governor is past due.

"Managers are denying our members request to have four 10-hour days," said Alan Kilar, Treasurer of UAW Local 6000. "Our members, especially in the outlying counties are hurting to go to work, and they're making decisions whether it's worth their while to get work with the gas."

A potential creative solution for a guzzling problem.

"It's a win win for both citizens as well as state employees," said Kauffman.