Should Australia have more four-day work weeks?

The prospect of four-day work weeks remains a hot topic across Australia and one business is building evidence of why they work.

Incat four day week workers welding team leader Tim Petrie and welder Jomar Villamor Tagan-Na.

Australia may be divided on the prospect of a four-day work week but one company has kickstarted the concept with the aim of providing a better work-life balance.

The shorter work week for production employees started at Tasmanian shipbuilder Incat.

Australian Manufacturing Workers Union state secretary John Short said that during negotiations for a new enterprise agreement the union surveyed Incat members “with the overwhelming majority supporting the implementation of the four day work week option”.

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“Additionally, the union negotiated with Incat for higher starting wages, new career path progressions, and wages reflective of the market rate of pay, and we will continue to work with members and the company to ensure Incat can be a preferred employer,” he said.

“Employers like Incat should be commended for listening to their workforce by providing wages and conditions that support recruitment and retention.”

Incat production workers can now work a four day week.

Incat CEO Stephen Casey says he’s excited to see the positive impact the four-day work week will have on Incat’s operations.

“We believe that a compressed work week can actually increase productivity, with longer periods of working in flow when at work, and more time to find balance with all the things that occur outside of work,” he said.

“By prioritising the wellbeing of our employees and giving them an extra day away from work each week, we’re not only reducing burnout and turnover rates but also fostering a happier, healthier, and more productive and engaged workforce.”

“The flexibility is what sets our approach apart, as it allows production employees to choose between a four-day or five-day schedule, depending on their preference and commitments outside of work.

“This allows us to accommodate the needs of our diverse workforce, ensuring that everyone can achieve a healthy work-life balance.”

Incat’s shipyard works co-ordinator Michael Berwick said the feedback he had received from the workforce so far had been positive.

“As a workforce we have been really excited about the prospect of the four-day work week,” he said.

“We see it as a way to have more time for ourselves and with our families, which I think will lead to higher job satisfaction and productivity.

“The four-day work week is a win-win for employees and the company.

“It allows the workforce to recharge and come back to work more energised, which I think will improve the efficiency and quality of our operations.”

Incat production workers can now work a four day week.

Incat welder Jomar Villamor Tagan-Na is also enthusiastic about the four-day week which started on Wednesday.

“We’re really happy that Incat has made this decision and I know that the production crews are going to love having an extra day off to do what they enjoy,” he said.

Tasmanian Chamber of Commerce and Industry CEO Michael Bailey said a number of businesses in Tasmania had trialled a four-day week.

“If productivity can be maintained or even improved it’s a great way to help employees with their work-life balance and I think we will continue to see more businesses consider this as an option,” he said.

“Obviously it won’t suit every employee or every employer but it’s definitely worth the conversation.”

The four-day week means employees start at 6am and finish at 4.20pm.

Unions Tasmania secretary Jessica Munday also welcomed Incat’s move if it gave workers a better work-life balance.

AMWU organiser Jacob Batt congratulated Incat on the high intake of new apprentices as “positive for our young Tasmanians and the tradespeople of the future”.

“The four day work week began this week and the response has so far been positive,” he said.

Originally published as Should Australia have more four-day work weeks?