The idea of a four-day work week is gaining traction in Australia, with 71 per cent of Aussie employers expressing support for it and 34 per cent stating they will transition to the four-day work model in the next five years.
This comes from the latest research from recruiting firm Robert Half which also noted that 37 per cent of employers believe the four-day work week is a possibility and only 28 per cent say they do not believe it is likely to happen.
The research also pointed out that SME leaders are the most supportive of a four-day work week, with 38 per cent stating it will be in place within five years and a further 34 per cent considering the transition possible. On the other hand, large employers are more apprehensive, with only 27 per cent believing it will occur within the next five years and 30 per cent not planning to implement this change.
When asked about the factors that would make Australian employers consider implementing a four-day work week, 41 per cent of employers say employee requests or positive staff feedback will influence their decision. Other factors include business results (37 per cent), whether changes to business models/operations will allow it (39 per cent) and if it works at other companies, they will look at doing it too (36 per cent). 26 per cent believe a skills-short market will also play a role in their decision.
Only 13 per cent of employers state they will not consider transitioning to a four-day work week for any reason.
“Companies have embraced remote working as a result of the pandemic, but they are realising there are opportunities to alter their workplace strategies to offer the flexibility their teams request while also supporting culture, collaboration, and efficiency,” Nicole Gorton, Director at Robert Half, said.
“Flexibility has never been so important to the modern-day workforce. Granting individuals the freedom to establish their own schedules exemplifies a sense of trust and can be seen as companies taking the next step to transform the way we work to foster sustained work-life harmony,” Gorton added. “With candidates placing flexibility in their top priorities, offering a 4-day work week helps attraction and retention efforts, while also contributing to staff morale and productivity.”
Gorton said that successful four-day work week trials across the globe are creating momentum, and that Australian employers are showing an increased willingness to consider the transition if their business model allows it.
“However, implementing a four-day work week is not a one-size-fits-all scenario,” she said. “Potential pitfalls include longer days, which may lead to burnout or employee dissatisfaction as well projects and products taking longer to complete.
“Businesses need to evaluate whether this move is at all possible based on their operational model and customer base,” she continued. “If this is off the cards, offering other flexible benefits like remote working options or early finishes provide a strong alternative that allows the opportunity to tend to personal commitments. Four-day work weeks are not the only way to accommodate flexibility, so it boils down to what extent companies can facilitate these changes.”
