ATMORE — While the price of gas is coming down, many people are still feeling the pinch of spiraling inflation driving up the cost of groceries and other necessities.

Wind Creek Hospitality believes it has a solution to get some relief for its employees.

"All of our employees will receive a one-time cash payment to their salaries to offset the cost of gas, groceries and other expenses," said Jay Dorris, president and CEO of Wind Creek Hospitality.

Wind Creek Hospitality employs around 5,300 workers, including 1,063 employees at Wind Creek Atmore.

The second step in their plan is an accelerated roll-out of flexible working arrangements to help minimize fuel and child-care expenses.

"We're working to develop a four-day work week with four 10-hour shifts and even a three-day work week, with three 12-hour shifts, in addition to the five eight-hour shifts," Dorris said. "Fewer days working means less travel for our employees, allowing them to spend less on fuel."

A four-day work week could reduce fuel and potential child-care costs by 20%, Dorris said. Those choosing to work a three-day work week could see costs reduced by 40%.

"Those are important dollars for the families of our team," Dorris said. "Every dollar they don't have to put into a gas tank is a dollar they can use elsewhere for their families."

This second effort was a pilot initiative that started in a post-pandemic era responding to a need for greater autonomy by a changing workforce.

While the flexible shift options are not universally available for all roles at all locations, WCH is working to look for every opportunity to add flexibility without compromising the guest experience.

"Providing our guests an escape from their daily world is at our core," Dorris said. "Building and unifying a team of employees who believe their employer is making life better for them ensures those team members will see to it that our guests get that needed escape."