A new study led by Deakin University has found Australian workplaces that trialled a four-day work week reported no loss in productivity.
The study examined the “100:80:100” model, where employees worked reduced hours for full pay while aiming to maintain productivity.
Researchers found nearly half of participating businesses reported productivity gains, while the rest said productivity levels were maintained.
Study
The study examined 15 small-to-medium businesses across industries including healthcare, recruitment, marketing and finance.
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Researchers interviewed business leaders involved in introducing the 4-day workweek model, with burnout prevention identified as the most common reason for adopting it, followed by improving work–life balance.
More than half of the companies said productivity stayed “about the same”, while 43% reported an increase. No participating business reported a decline.
While some businesses initially feared workers would be forced to fit five days of work into four, researchers found companies maintained productivity by cutting unnecessary tasks, shortening meetings and removing “non-value-adding” work.
Companies also reported improved recruitment, stronger staff retention and fewer sick days.
All but one organisation continued or adopted the shorter workweek after the trial ended.
