Four-day work week a 'game-changer' for Aussie corporations: business expert

With mental health and wellbeing issues prevalent among overworked staff, Professor Zhou Jiang with RMIT University said that not shocked that performance, productivity, innovation and creativity were all boosted as a result of a four-day work week.

“The introduction of a four-day work week delivers a strong message about the employer’s emphasis on work-life balance, openness to new and innovative solutions to support employees and a commitment to building a sustainable, resilient workforce,” Jiang, head of business and administration, said.

There many benefits to a four-day work week, experts say. (Getty)

“The evidence from pilots, such as at ANZ, shows that strategically moving to a four-day work week will be a game-changer for many sectors.

“It is likely that organisations which effectively implement this practice in a way that suits their specific contexts will gain and accumulate competitive advantage quickly and sustainably.”

A “key factor” in the success of similar programs moving forward will be determined by how companies “redesign jobs in line with the new schedule”, Jiang explained.

He said there are also likely many other benefits to the change, including many potentially positive impacts on the environment.

Happy worker office work life balance four-day work week — A “key factor” in the success of similar programs moving forward will be determined by how companies “redesign jobs in line with the new schedule”. (iStock)

“Less commuting helps reduce traffic jams and carbon pollution,” he said.

“It may also help workers enrich their family roles, and assist to address the society’s gender gaps, such as through enhancing flexibility for caregiving duties and increasing equal employee opportunities regardless of gender.

“So far, the evidence for a four-day week is mainly from developed countries.

“It’s great to see that pilot programs will soon occur in developing nations like South Africa and Brazil.

“I look forward to seeing the results of future pilot programs in more developing countries such as India and China where many employees are stressed to work on a 9-9-6 model (9am-9pm for 6 days per week).

“I predict that societal cultures, as well as individuals’ cultural norms and value orientations, will significantly influence the feasibility and effectiveness of implementing the four-day work week.”