Time to talk about the four-day working week

This year Spain will trial a government-backed four-day working week across an estimated 200 companies involving some 3000-6000 workers nationwide.

The benefits of a shorter working week for employers are seen to include increased productivity, a happier workforce, less absenteeism and less staff turnover.

Technology has brought many efficiencies to the workplace.

The benefits for employees may include better mental and physical health and the opportunity to achieving a fairer balance between work and home life.

In Australia, it is time we had a full discussion about the benefits that a four-day working week might provide for employers and workers alike. Technology has brought many efficiencies to the workplace that enable employees to work quicker and more productively, but there has been little benefit in terms of more leisure time. Workers have just continued to work faster and faster despite the fact a continuously high pace of work without a counterbalance of rest and recreation is not sustainable. It should not be the case that people are valued only for their economic productivity.

The Victorian government’s welcome announcement of a record $3.8 billion investment in mental health, including the delivery of new mental health beds, also raises important questions – such as to what degree has the way we generally work contributed to mental health problems?

With the current norm of a five-day working week and two-day weekend, life is a scramble for many. There is just enough time on the weekend to re-establish some order in the home and restock the fridge before it all begins again. Throw into the equation the needs of children, supervising study, attending compulsory weekend sport and there really is little time remaining.

With the current norm of a five-day working week and two-day weekend, life is a scramble for many.Credit: iStockphoto

A three-day weekend would give workers a chance not just to do what must be done but also to recharge and nurture other interests.

Change does require a shift in view. It requires recognition that cultivating the potential of the individual benefits not just the employee but also the employer by enhancing the performance and longevity of the employee in the workplace.

We need creative thinkers to critically review the way we work and determine if a four-day week might better place the health and fulfilment of the worker at the heart of each organisation, to the benefit of the employer.

Melissa Coburn is a freelance writer.