Imagine clocking off on Thursday afternoon and enjoying three days at home. Many people find the idea of working four days per week highly appealing. As employees strive for more flexibility, Australian businesses are increasingly trialling four-day work weeks.
Earlier this year, the ACT Government agreed to consider a four-day work week trial for public sector employees. Under the trial, employees will be paid full pay, provided they maintain the same level of productivity.
Increasingly, unions are negotiating a four-day workweek as a condition for workers. For example, unions for Woolworths employees are currently trying to negotiate a four-day work week for Woolworths staff.
In a tight labour market, employers are struggling to attract and retain top talent. Therefore, they are increasingly offering the incentive of a four-day workweek.
But how would a four-day work week look? What are the benefits and limitations?
With thanks to the University Of Queensland News.com.au and Indeed, we explore the benefits and limitations of a four-day workweek.
The positives
Many workplaces that have trialled four-day work weeks have mainly seen positive effects. These include:
Increased productivity
A four-day work week can have positive implications for productivity. While many are concerned spending fewer days at work will decrease productivity, this is often not the case. Many companies that have trialled a four-day work week have found that productivity has not reduced.
In fact, 70% of Australian companies have discovered their productivity has increased since trialling it. Employees working four-day weeks have also been found to take fewer sick days.
Enhanced innovation and creativity
Some workplaces which trialled a four-day workweek reported increases in innovation and creativity.
Reduced transportation costs
As they commute less often, employees face reduced transportation costs. For example, they spend less on parking, tolls, and public transport.
Increased happiness and work-life balance
Working four days a week means fewer days spent in the office and less time spent commuting. This gives employees more time with their families, which may enhance their work-life balance and happiness.
Overall, many workplaces are finding the benefits outweigh the limitations.
According to one study, two-thirds of workplaces that had trialled four-day workweeks implemented the practice permanently.
The negatives
However, not all employers are entirely sold on a four-day work week.
Despite committing to trial it, the ACT government has raised concerns about its long-term sustainability. They are concerned that productivity may not increase enough to justify funding the model. Several other concerns have also been identified, including:
Increased workloads
Workers may have to increase their workloads to maintain productivity with fewer days spent at work. Working longer hours per day may result in increased fatigue and decreased focus. Therefore, in some cases, a four-day work week may actually have the opposite effect of its intention.
Reduced flexibility
Four-day weeks may decrease flexibility, as employees have to work longer hours each work day. For example, they may be unable to drop children at school or pick them up.
Reduced project output
If not all staff are present daily, some projects may take longer to complete.
Increased surveillance and monitoring
Employers may also increase surveillance and monitoring to ensure productivity is maintained.
Staffing difficulties
In some frontline roles, staffing levels must increase to cover rosters adequately. Therefore, a four-day work week may not be feasible in industries such as nursing.
While a four-day workweek may benefit some workplaces and employees, it is not without limitations and will not suit everyone.
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