Could the 4-day work week may become mainstream in Australia within the next five years? The concept, which involves employees working four full days instead of the traditional five, has gained traction as organisations seek to improve work-life balance and boost productivity.
There have been various trials and implementations of the 4-day work week in Australia. Big companies such as Bunnings, Telstra and Unilever have tested the idea with their employees.
The trials show that the positive impacts of the 4-day work week include increased job satisfaction, reduced stress levels, and improved overall well-being for employees. Organisations have also experienced benefits, including improved productivity, creativity, and employee retention. The 4-day work week is an appealing option for organisations striving for a healthier work environment.
Even though the traditional 5-day work week has long been the standard, businesses and individuals seeing the success of these trials are questioning whether this might be the future of Australian work culture.
While the concept is gaining momentum, implementing the 4-day work week does require careful planning and consideration. It is important for organisations to assess the specific challenges and requirements of their industry and work structure. Clear communication channels, effective workload management, and meeting client needs are crucial elements for success.
What is the 4-day work week?
The 4-day work week refers to a work schedule where employees work for four full days instead of the traditional five days. While the specific arrangements may vary, it typically involves extending the working hours on each of the four days to maintain the total weekly working hours. This concept challenges the conventional notion of work by reimagining productivity, employee satisfaction, and the relationship between work and personal life. Employees should expect to receive 100{da8df1156be14ce092073f4fc5560cd38c53e8379dd8ecd334befe19aca86cfb} of their full time salary despite changing their work schedule to only cover 4-days per week.
Australian companies that are trialling a 4-day work week
4 Day Work Week Global is an organisation looking to change the way companies structure employee work hours. It’s founders Andrew Barnes and Charlotte Lockhart noted that 100 years ago, the workforce shifted from a 6 day work week to a 5-day work week, and that covid has proven that employees can be productive with more flexible work arrangements. They believe we are well over due for a change to our typical working week. 4 Day Work Week Global ran a six-month Australasian pilot program with 26 companies, and found that 95 per cent of organisations preferred the reduced schedule, noticing less stress for workers without lower productivity.
Bunnings Warehouse
Bunnings Warehouse is a leading Australian retailer specialising in home improvement and hardware products. With a strong presence across the country, Bunnings offers a wide range of employment opportunities for individuals interested in the retail industry. From customer service and sales roles to logistics and management positions, Bunnings provides a dynamic and supportive work environment. Joining Bunnings means being part of a team that helps customers with their home improvement needs while fostering a culture of teamwork and growth.
Bunnings warehouse have decided to trail the 4-day work week, offering an opportunity for their employees to work 38 hours across 4-days instead of 5-days for full pay. In fact, they will be given a 10.5{da8df1156be14ce092073f4fc5560cd38c53e8379dd8ecd334befe19aca86cfb} pay rise over the next three years. The agreement will also give these employees five weeks of annual leave instead of four each year.
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EES Shipping
EES Shipping is an established logistics and freight forwarding company operating in Australia. With a focus on global shipping and freight solutions, EES Shipping offers career opportunities in areas such as logistics coordination, supply chain management, customs brokerage, and international trade. Joining EES Shipping means being part of a team that facilitates seamless international transportation and plays a vital role in supporting businesses’ import and export operations. EES Shipping provides a platform for individuals interested in the logistics industry to develop their skills and contribute to the efficient movement of goods worldwide.
EES Shipping noticed an increase in employee stress after the pandemic. They decided to trail the 4-day work week (100{da8df1156be14ce092073f4fc5560cd38c53e8379dd8ecd334befe19aca86cfb} of the output in 80{da8df1156be14ce092073f4fc5560cd38c53e8379dd8ecd334befe19aca86cfb} of the time, with 100{da8df1156be14ce092073f4fc5560cd38c53e8379dd8ecd334befe19aca86cfb} full time pay). They streamlined their processes, reduced meetings and attempted to ensure work was completed in a more efficient manner. The result was reduced errors, less sick days, happier employees and better processes. They have also noticed an increase in applications with people wanting to work at EES Shipping and enjoy the work life balance it is fostering for employees. Overall the trail has been a success for EES Shipping.
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Unilever
Unilever is a multinational consumer goods company with a strong presence in the Australian market. It operates in the food, beverage, cleaning agents, and personal care sectors. Unilever offers a diverse range of career opportunities for individuals seeking employment in the fast-moving consumer goods industry. With well-known brands like Dove, Lipton, and Knorr, Unilever provides a dynamic and innovative work environment for professionals in Australia.
Unilever Australia and New Zealand CEO, Nicky Sparshott says:
“Driving a performance culture and maintaining competitive edge sits at the heart of the 4 Day Work Week.
“The experiment builds off Unilever’s ambition to enhance the wellbeing of both its people and business. This is about trying new ways to remove the barriers that potentially limit value creation and slow us down and focusing our energies on creating impact and delivering results.
“By removing projects processes and protocols that add less value, throughout our week, we are able to free up time to work on items that matter most to the people we serve, externally and internally.”
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Telstra
Telstra is Australia’s leading telecommunications and technology company. It provides a wide range of telecommunications products and services including mobile, fixed-line, and internet services to individuals, businesses, and government organisations. Telstra operates an extensive network infrastructure across Australia and offers various communication and entertainment solutions to its customers.
In 2021 Telstra issued a report on Busting the Productivity Myth: Hybrid working in Australia, so as a company they have believed in the value of hybrid and flexible work arrangements. In January 2023 Telstra was reported to be finalising arrangements to trail the 4-day work week.
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Medibank
Medibank is a leading private health insurance provider in Australia. It offers a range of health insurance products and services to individuals and families, covering hospital expenses, medical treatments, and extras such as dental and optical care. Medibank operates across Australia and aims to promote health and well-being through its insurance offerings and additional wellness programs.
Medibank was one of the first companies in Australia to adopt a hybrid working model, and are working on a 4-day work week trial for the business.
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Oxfam Australia
Oxfam Australia is a nonprofit organisation dedicated to fighting poverty and injustice around the world. It is part of the global Oxfam confederation and works to address issues such as poverty, inequality, and social injustice through various programs and campaigns. Oxfam Australia focuses on areas such as humanitarian response, sustainable development, and advocacy to create lasting change and improve lives.
In March 2023, Oxfam announced that employees would be given the option to work 30 hours across four days as part of a six-month trial.
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NIB
NIB is one of Australia’s leading private health insurance companies. It provides a range of health insurance options to individuals, families, and businesses, covering hospital treatments, medical services, and extras like dental and optical care. NIB aims to offer affordable and accessible health insurance solutions and works closely with healthcare providers to ensure quality care for its members.
NIB was a first mover in hybrid working arrangements and currently has 50{da8df1156be14ce092073f4fc5560cd38c53e8379dd8ecd334befe19aca86cfb} of the workforce working from home four days a week.
NIB Chief People Officer Lauren Daniels said, “Our employee engagement survey found that no matter what stage of life our employees are at, there are real benefits in an approach that allows them to be more in control of when and where they work.”
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How to search for flexible work on Jora
If you are looking for flexible work arrangements, there are two ways to search for them on Jora.
1. Use the relevant term, either “hybrid” or “work from home” or “flexible” in the what box on Jora, then the job title you are looking for. This will give you flexible work options for the job title you want.
2. Make a search for the job title you want to work as in the what box and click “search jobs”. Then use the filter “any job type” to choose casual/temporary, part-time or contract work to refine your search.