(WSB file photo)

ORIGINAL TUESDAY REPORT: Starting next week, Swedish Automotive (7901 35th SW; WSB sponsor) is changing its hours. Swedish’s Todd Ainsworth says the new hours will be 7 am-6 pm Mondays through Thursdays – a four-day week with longer days. By the way, if you’re new to West Seattle, Swedish Automotive repairs and maintains more than just Swedish cars – see the list of specialties (and certifications!) on their website. That’s also where you can make an appointment; the new hours are reflected starting Monday.

ADDED WEDNESDAY: We asked Todd about the reasoning behind the change. His reply:

It’s certainly non-traditional for our industry, but the idea has caught a lot of traction in the last few years. The primary reasoning behind it is to give our staff an added benefit and allow them to have more free time to spend with their families, hobbies, etc and give them more work/life balance. There are several auto repair shops I have talked with all over the state and in different parts of the country and all of them who have successfully made the change say they only wish they had done it sooner, because the employees love it. We will be one of the first shops in our area to try it and everyone here is excited about it. It will also benefit our clients by being here for earlier drop-offs and later pick-ups.