A New Mercer study finds more Australian employers are embracing the four-day working week to benefit employee wellbeing.
The promise of a longer weekend brings with it a palpable fizz of excitement and relief. The extra day away from the office is a chance to recharge, relax and finally put away the pile of laundry that migrates from the bed to the floor and back.
But what if you could get that long weekend feeling every week? More and more employees are experiencing just that, according to new data released from Mercer’s 2021 Australian Benefits Review.
The report reveals that organisations offering a four-day workweek instead of the traditional five have risen by 29 percent in the last four years. That equates to more than one in four Australian organisations and reveals a shift towards flexibility and reduced stress in the workplace.
“The clear themes emerging from this year’s study are increased support for employee wellbeing – across mental, physical and financial – and flexibility is inextricably linked to this,” said Chi Tran, Head of Market Insights and Data at Mercer’s workforce consulting practice.
Four-day workweek trials in Iceland have been called an “overwhelming success.”#GraphicTruth @gzeromediahttps://t.co/nDwKO2lU83
— ian bremmer (@ianbremmer) July 7, 2021
The four-day working week has gained momentum recently, after a four-year trial in Iceland hailed the concept an “overwhelming success”. The trial, running from 2015 – 2019, found that productivity remained consistent or improved in participating workplaces.
Australian company, Versa, has embraced the four-day working week since pre-pandemic days in 2019. Implemented by CEO and founder, Kath Blackham, the digital marketing agency essentially shuts up shop every Wednesday.
No meetings are scheduled, and employees are free to spend their mid-week break as they choose: go to the gym, look after young children, work on side projects or just sit on the couch and regroup.
Sick days are down and staff satisfaction is up, says Blackham.
“You get that Monday feeling a couple of times a week.”
Seems like the 4 day week is catching on, this time it's the @UKLabour following the trend via @TheNewDailyAu
Have you considered adopting a flexible working week?
Let us know the results you've encountered. #culture #flexibleworking #Politics https://t.co/TkM9vmTQER
— VERSA (@VersaAgency) September 24, 2019
Productivity and revenue at the company are also up.
Blackham does not attribute the increase solely to the shorter working week but does assert that very low turnover due to staff satisfaction and consistent teams working on briefs can be hugely appealing for potential business partners.
