General Statement

On July 14, 2025, the Quinault Indian Nation passed a resolution to implement a 32-hour work week beginning October 12, 2025. This shift reflects our continued commitment to supporting the well-being of our staff and strengthening the overall health of our organization and community.

Quinault is not alone in this move. Other Tribal Nations, governments, and organizations across the country have successfully adopted shorter work weeks. By following in these footsteps, we are joining a growing movement to reimagine what a balanced, productive, and values-aligned workplace can look like.

We believe that when employees are well-rested and have more time for their families, communities, and personal well-being, the Nation as a whole thrives. The transition to a 32-hour work week is designed to create a better work-life balance, boost morale, improve focus and productivity, create more efficient workflows, and make QIN more attractive for recruitment and retention. It's also a long-term investment in building a workplace culture rooted in respect, sustainability, and care.

We are proud to take this step forward and look forward to the positive impacts it will bring for our staff and the Quinault Indian Nation.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Why is QIN making this change?

Moving to a 32-hour work week reflects our values of balance, sustainability, and care, and demonstrates our continued commitment to supporting the well-being of our staff and strengthening the overall health of our organization and community. This shift is intended to:

• Improve employee well-being and work-life balance: The new schedule allows employees more time for rest, family, and personal well-being - supporting a healthier, more sustainable work environment.
• Boost team morale, focus, and productivity: Well-rested employees are more focused and engaged. This change is designed to enhance efficiency and create more effective workflows.
• Strengthen the workforce through recruitment and retention: Offering a 32-hour work week makes QIN a more attractive employer, helping us recruit top talent and retain dedicated staff over the long term.
• Ensure the QIN continues to deliver valuable services to membership: The hard work and dedication of QIN employees drive the services our Nation depends on. By supporting their health and focus and strengthening our workforce, we ensure this quality continues and allows us to expand our capacity to serve into the future.

When will the 32-hour work week begin?
The new work schedule will go into effect on Monday, October 12, 2025.

What will the new weekly schedule be?
For most departments, the standard work week will be Monday through Thursday.

What will the daily hours be?
 The hours will remain the same Monday - Thursday and the Nation will be open from 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM. 

Will holidays still be honored by the Nation?
Yes, for Fiscal Year 2026, holidays that fall on the Monday–Thursday work schedule will continue to be honored. Please note that the holiday schedule is approved annually by the Business Committee, so any future changes remain at their discretion.

Will employees be paid less under the new 32-hour work week?
No. All eligible employees will continue to receive their full pay and benefits. This change does not reduce compensation. It is an investment in our workforce and the long-term health of the organization.

Will the 32-hour work week apply to all Quinault-owned businesses and enterprises?
 At this time, only the Quinault Indian Nation government is transitioning to a 32-hour work week. Quinault Nation Enterprises—including facilities such as the Quinault Wellness Center, Quinault Land and Timber Enterprises, the Quinault Beach Resort and Casino, etc. —will continue to operate under their normal business hours.

Will this change affect services to the public?
 Most services will no longer be available on Fridays due to the shift to a 32-hour work week. However, we have provided alternative options to ensure the community still receives their services.

• Charlotte Kalama Health Center – 
  • CKHC is currently not currently open on Fridays.
  • Appointments can be scheduled on Wednesdays from 9:30 AM to 12:00 PM.
  • Walk-in Clinic will be open Wednesdays from 1:00 PM to 2:30 PM.
  • Walk-ins are also welcome from 9:30AM to 12:00 PM but there may be a wait.
  • For urgent needs on Fridays, Quinault employees can access HMA telehealth.
  • Employees and Tribal members can access Quinault Community Health (located in Aberdeen) for walk-in appointments Wednesday–Saturday from 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM. You can find more information at www.quinaultcommunityhealth.org or by calling (360) 533-6063.
  • Employees and Tribal members can access other local urgent care centers.
  • After hours and holidays, a provider from RSHC is available by telephone at (360) 533-8724.
• Community Broadband Services – Troubleshooting and support will be available Monday through Thursday, with emergency service arrangements in place that are already in place.
• Early Learning Center and Boys & Girls Club – Will be Monday - Thursday.
• Emergency Financial Assistance – Urgent requests will be directed appropriately and will continue to be processed in the system that is already in place.
• Emergency Services – The police, EMT, & Fire departments will all still be available
• Enrollment – Services will be scheduled during the Monday–Thursday work week, with advance planning encouraged.
• Fitness Center – The facility will be open Monday through Thursday. Members are encouraged to plan their workouts during this time. We are exploring a 24-7 drop-in center option.
• Permits Office – Services will be scheduled during the Monday–Thursday work week, with advance planning encouraged.
• Revenue - Services will be scheduled during the Monday–Thursday work week, with advance planning encouraged.
• Roger Saux Health Center (Clinic) –  
  • New hours for appointments and walk-ins (listed below) will begin October 6, 2025.
  •   Appointments can be scheduled Monday–Thursday from 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM.
  • Walk-in Clinic will be open Monday–Thursday from 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM.
  • For urgent needs on Fridays, Quinault employees can access HMA telehealth. 
  • Employees and Tribal members can access Quinault Community Health (located in Aberdeen) for walk-in appointments Wednesday–Saturday from 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM. You can find more information at www.quinaultcommunityhealth.org or by calling (360) 533-6063. 
  • Employees and Tribal members can access other local urgent care centers.
  •  After hours and holidays, a provider from RSHC is available by telephone at (360) 533-8724. 
• Senior Services – Friday lunches will be bagged, lunches to be given out on Thursday. Contracted services for home-bound elders will still continue and services  will not be disrupted.

Is this a permanent change?

We see this shift as a long-term investment in our people and programs. We will continue to evaluate how the 32-hour work week is working and make adjustments based on staff and community feedback.

Will departments be staggering work schedules to cover Fridays?

No. The standard work week for most departments will be Monday through Thursday. We will not be staggering schedules to cover Fridays, except in cases where essential services or specific departmental needs where coverage outside of the new working hours is required. This includes departments such as Police, EMS, TGA, 24-hour hatchery operations, and any other critical services that must maintain around-the-clock coverage.

Will I be allowed to work on Friday?

All alternative work schedules will need to be approved by supervisors, division directors, and the COO. You cannot flex your schedule and work on Friday to make up for a missed day earlier in the week.

Can my manager make me work on Fridays?

All alternative work schedules will need to be approved by supervisors, division directors, and the COO.

Will this change cost the Tribe a lot of money?

No. The shift to a 32-hour work week is designed to be cost-neutral. Employees will continue to receive their full pay, we do anticipate some increased cost due to overtime and a few added positions. In fact, we expect long-term savings through reduced turnover, improved employee well-being, and increased workplace efficiency.

What about the Early Learning Center and Boys & Girls Club? Will families still have access to care on Fridays?

The Early Learning Center and Boys & Girls Club will operate Monday through Thursday in alignment with the new work week. Because these services are primarily used by Quinault Indian Nation employees, who will also be off on Fridays, the impact is expected to be minimal.

Are we the only Tribe in the Pacific Northwest doing this?

No. We are proud to be part of a growing number of Tribal Nations and organizations that have embraced four-day work week. Their experiences have shown that shorter work weeks can improve employee well-being, increase retention, and strengthen organizational effectiveness, all while continuing to meet community needs.

Other Tribes that have implemented similar schedules include:

• Confederated Tribes of the Colville Reservation
• Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes
• Makah Tribe
• Swinomish Indian Tribal Community

Will holiday pay, sick leave, and vacation accrual be affected?

Leave accruals will remain based on hours worked and years of service (where applicable), however, employees will have overall more time off. Holiday schedules will continue to be determined annually.

 Will the HR Manual be updated to update this reduced work week?
Yes. Please stay tuned for additional information as it becomes available.

Will it affect my payday?

No. There are no anticipated changes expected to pay dates with the change to the new work week.

Who can I contact if I have questions or concerns?

For any questions or concerns, please email connect@quinault.org. This inbox is actively monitored to ensure timely responses and provide support throughout the transition.

You’re also invited to share your thoughts by completing our survey — click HERE to participate.

Siokwil

We want to sincerely thank all QIN employees, Tribal members and community members for your patience, flexibility, and support as we make this transition together.

This shift to a 32-hour work week is a meaningful step toward creating a healthier, more balanced workplace for everyone. Please stay tuned for additional information as it becomes available. We’re committed to open communication throughout this process, and we’ll continue to add to this FAQ sheet as new questions arise. Please

With appreciation,

The 32-Hour Work week Implementation Committee