While nations such as Belgium and the UK are moving forward with reduced working hours, Australian organisations are mostly resisting the shift to a four-day workweek with full pay, even though trials abroad show it can improve employee wellbeing, reduce sick leave and maintain or even increase business revenue. The idea is to achieve 100% of output in 80% of the time with no decrease in pay, but without cultural change this model may be less effective.
In 2022, over 200 companies in the UK trialled the four-day week, expecting the same level of productivity in less time. The results were encouraging. Some businesses saw sick leave drop by 65% and revenue increase by 35% compared to previous years. Yet in Australia, adoption remains limited. A handful of organisations including global consumer brands and insurers tested the model but later abandoned it, describing it as too rigid for their varied workforces.
Australia's hesitation may be linked to cultural and structural issues. Unlike the UK and parts of Europe where flexible work practices are more accepted, some Australian companies continue to expect office-based attendance. Experts argue that without addressing workplace culture and employee expectations, introducing a universal four-day policy could lead to reduced trust or higher running costs.
However, some Australian firms are finding success by adapting the model. Marketing and consultancy companies report using flexible systems where staff can often take Fridays or Mondays off when workloads allow. This has led to noticeable improvements in retention and job satisfaction. These businesses also adjust the policy based on ongoing employee feedback, focusing on flexibility rather than a fixed framework.
There is strong demand for flexibility. Research shows that 65% of employees prefer a four-day week, yet only one third are willing to give up broader flexible arrangements to achieve it. Gender differences are also evident. Fewer women are interested in returning to full-time office work just to secure a shorter week. This points to a shift in priorities, with flexible work now more about autonomy than simply fewer hours.
As trade unions bring the matter to national productivity talks, interest in the four-day week may be growing. Still, unless employers are willing to change workplace culture alongside structural adjustments, Australia may continue to lag behind other countries in adopting the model successfully.
