At the Portland State University Foundation, we’re building a high-performing team through a 4-day work week. By focusing on outcomes—not hours—we are shaping a creative, future-forward organization that attracts and retains top talent, transforms work processes and prioritizes employee well-being.
This shift positions us to thrive in a competitive job market, reach ambitious campaign goals and align with a growing body of research showing that shorter work weeks can enhance focus, creativity and impact.
Advancing our mission to
raise resources for Psu
By focusing fundraising and operational goals on what matters most, streamlining processes and setting clear expectations, we can deliver stronger results.
Strengthening our commitment to excellent service
Through timely communication, clear decision-making and accountability for outcomes, we ensure partners and donors receive a consistent, positive experience.
Attracting and retaining talented people at psuf
By encouraging collaboration, supporting well-being and building a modern workplace, we make the PSU Foundation a place where talented people thrive.
Benefits to our work culture
Our move to a 4-day work week is designed to strengthen both our team and the impact we deliver for Portland State
Stronger outcomes for portland state
Streamlined processes and clearer priorities help us deliver more impact for students, faculty and the campus community.
align with psu's active campus vision
Our schedule supports the University’s focus on engagement and activity, reflecting the vibrancy of an urban campus life.
Elevate recruitment and retention
A forward-thinking work model helps us attract and retain top talent while standing out in a competitive market.
Improve Team Connectedness
More opportunities for face-to-face interaction, mentorship and shared learning can strengthen collaboration across the Foundation.
Modernize our workplace
By reimagining how work gets done, we raise the bar for what a higher education organization can look like.
Focus on life balance
Balanced schedules support employee health, well-being, and long-term sustainability for our team.
Frequently Asked Questions
Our new schedule is designed to improve productivity, collaboration and well-being. Below are answers to common questions about what this means for our partners, donors and colleagues.
What are your new work hours?
Our office hours are Monday–Thursday, 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. We are closed on Fridays.
What if I need to reach someone on a Friday?
While our offices are closed on Fridays, we remain committed to timely communication. If you send us a message, we’ll follow up on the next business day. We are creating a communication plan for emergent needs on Fridays and it will be shared in our Friday out of office messages.
Will this change impact projects we’re working on together?
No. Our teams will continue to meet deadlines and deliver on commitments. We’ve streamlined our processes and built this new schedule with accountability in mind.
How does this benefit your partners and PSU?
By reducing burnout and increasing focus, our team is able to bring greater creativity, efficiency and dedication to advancing Portland State University.
Why Fridays?
After assessing our workflows and partner needs, Friday was identified as the best day to close for the week. This ensures consistency across the organization and clarity for our partners. Our team will continue to support Friday and weekend events as needed under our updated flex time policy.
What if I need an in-person meeting?
We continue to prioritize face-to-face collaboration and will work with you to schedule meetings based on shared availability .
