Huge success for Australasian 4 day week pilot, new research reveals

Results of an Australasian pilot programme, run by non-profit 4 Day Week Global, reveal the vast majority of companies prefer working a 4 day week where they get 100% of the pay, for 80% of the time, in exchange for 100% of the output. The six-month trial of a 4 day week, which 26 organisations embarked on last August, found that 95% of organisations favour the reduced schedule. 

On a scale of 1-10, companies rated the overall trial an 8.2, reporting great satisfaction with business productivity, performance, and ability to attract employees. They also observed a 44% average reduction in absenteeism and 9% reduction in resignations over the course of the pilot. 

Employee outcomes were similarly positive, with 96% wanting to continue their 4 day week post-trial. When asked much additional pay they’d require in their next job to go back to five days, over one in three said between 26-50% more, with over one in ten stating no amount of money would induce them to go back. 

Promising gender equality and environmental findings were also observed, with commuting time falling by 36 minutes per person per week, and men in heterosexual relationships increasing their share of housework and childcare. 

Lead researcher on the programme, Professor Juliet Schor of Boston College said: “The 4 day week has a remarkable capacity to improve employee well-being and social outcomes. Almost two thirds of employees experienced reductions in burnout, while 38% felt less stressed during the trial. People were exercising more, getting better sleep and generally more satisfied with their time.” 

General manager at Australian-based company, RentWest Solutions, Michelle Rigg said: “After previously trying to introduce the 4 day week ourselves and failing, we decided to sign up for 4 Day Week Global’s pilot programme. The learnings we received in preparation for the trial were integral to it being a success. 

“Our key indicator was our customer experience. Throughout the trial, we had several check points to assess this and although we tried, we found no change to the customer experience – in most cases it had improved. We also conducted several check-ins with the team and at the end of the trial, it was an overwhelming yes to continuing.” 

Founder of New Zealand-based company, Brevity Ltd, Matt Bishop said: “As an innovative firm that values productivity optimization and advanced technologies, Brevity Ltd recognises the importance of maximising efficiency. Motivated by the prospect of an additional day off each week, our team proactively prioritised tasks, enhanced processes, and managed their energy more effectively. This heightened focus resulted in increased productivity beyond what we achieve during a typical work week, surpassing client expectations. Moreover, the extra day off provided our team with renewed energy for the following week's productivity drive. 

“Brevity Ltd takes pride in being at the forefront of this progressive work model, serving as an industry example and reaffirming our commitment to the success and well-being of our team.” 

Entrepreneur and co-founder of 4 Day Week Global, Andrew Barnes said: “These results are a real full-circle moment, as 4 Day Week Global was founded after the success of a similar pilot in my company in New Zealand, Perpetual Guardian, in 2018. It brings me great joy that other businesses in Australasia have discovered the benefits of a 4 day week and I’m glad to announce recruitment for our new trial is now open.” 

4 Day Week Global is today launching recruitment for its second Australasian pilot programme. Participants are taught how to redesign their workdays, optimise efficiencies, and reform culture. They gain access to all necessary resources for a successful transition, while their experience is tracked by a team of world-class academics. The non-profit is hosting a series of free online information sessions about the pilot in the coming weeks.

For more information or to arrange interviews, contact media@4dayweek.com

Click here to download the 2023 Australasia pilot program report

The following companies took part and have agreed to be named publicly:

Australia

• ABA Advice

• Byrne Consultants

• Momentum Mental Health

• Rentwest Solutions

• The Walk

New Zealand

• Brevity Limited

• Cook Costello

• Frank Accounting

• Kowtow Clothing

Elsewhere

• Future Talent Learning (UK)

• OrangeYouGlad (US)

• Savings United (EU)

• Seably (EU)

Click here to learn more about our pilot programs

Click here to register for a pilot program information session