Australia is witnessing a rising tide of interest in the concept of a four-day work week, but some say a dose of realism is needed. 

While organisations like Oxfam and Bunnings have dabbled in the trend, experts say shorter workweeks will not magically resolve all workplace challenges.

Oxfam and Bunnings are experimenting with four-day work weeks for select full-time staff, and a parliamentary committee in the ACT recently recommended a trial for public servants. Under both systems, employees earn the same pay in four days while maintaining productivity.

Bunnings, in particular, raised eyebrows with a trial allowing staff to cram their 38-hour work week into four days or spread it across a nine-day fortnight. 

Critics argued it was more of a “compressed work week” than a genuine four-day model.

Studies indicate positive outcomes for businesses that have tested shorter work weeks. 

Enhanced employee happiness and increased revenue are among the benefits reported. 

According to Hannah Lee, CEO of Second Mile, this trend aligns with a shift in employee priorities. Beyond work, people now seek purpose and a work-life balance post-pandemic.

Yet, it is crucial to understand that flexible work arrangements or shorter weeks are not silver bullets for workplace issues. 

Pam Nemec, CEO of Pam Nemec Consulting, says there is a need to address the root causes of workplace problems, and that simply cutting workdays will not suffice if the work environment lacks communication and engagement.

Catherine Matisse, CEO of Civility Partners, warns that offering flexible work options without addressing excessive workloads may lead to burnout.

The four-day work week movement continues to gain momentum. 

The Australian Services Union has noted the growing interest among employers and workers. It is not about compressing a 38-hour week into four days; instead, it focuses on achieving the same pay in 32 hours, with a commitment to 100 per cent productivity.

Oxfam Australia's CEO, Lyn Morgain, believes in designing the workweek collaboratively, eliminating time-wasting activities, and ensuring employee well-being.

The COVID-19 pandemic has prompted a reassessment of traditional “nine-to-five” work patterns, pushing for more flexible approaches. 

Government support for trials and endorsements from major companies like Unilever suggest that the four-day work week is not a fad but a significant shift in the world of work.