WILL AUSSIES GET A 4-DAY WORK WEEK?

SPENDING 40 HOURS IN THE OFFICE COULD SOON BE A THING OF THE PAST

- April Rose

Back in 1926, American industrialist Henry Ford popularised the 40-hour work week. But nearly a century later, a lot has changed.

Recently, a four-day work week was hailed as the new way to manage work-life balance, with some countries around the world permanently giving staff a third day off.

In 2022, Belgium began enforcing a new regulation which enables employees to condense their working week. It’s a concept that could eventually be implemented in Australia.

Following the overseas success, the Senate Select Committee on Work and Care in Australia has called for the Federal Government to back a trial of the four-day work week. So, what could it mean for you?

First, it will be a 10080-100 model. This means workers still get 100 per cent pay for working 80 per cent of the hours in return for no drop in productivity.

According to Sally Dillon, human resources expert at Revolution Consulting Group, it could be a major win for both employers and employees Down Under.

“A long weekend, every weekend – you can’t argue the logic of that,” Sally tells New Idea. “Early trial results from overseas studies have shown a reduction in unplanned absences, primarily sick leave, which can indicate a better work-life balance and happier employees.”