Toowoomba residents share opinion on USQ researcher’s thoughts on four-day work week trial

After a USQ academic called on employers to ‘look at the evidence’ of the benefits from a four-day work week, see what you had to say about the idea.

A University of Southern Queensland career expert has called on employers to read the evidence from a four-day work week trial in Iceland, but it seems not everybody is on board with the concept.

The trial was conducted by 2500 workers — more than 1 per cent of Iceland’s entire working population — from 2015 to 2019 and saw many employees moved from a 40-hour to a 35- or 36-hour working week.

The results found that worker wellbeing increased across a range of indicators, from perceived stress and burnout, to health and work-life balance.

USQ career development practitioner and educator Dr Jennifer Luke said the trial was being hailed as a success because while employers were worried the four day week would increase employees’ workload, it actually increased their productivity and efficiency.

A University of Southern Queensland career expert is urging employers to ‘look at the evidence’ from a trial in Iceland...

Posted by The Chronicle on Sunday, July 11, 2021

On Facebook, opinion was divided whether the move to a four-day work week would be a positive or a negative on Toowoomba businesses and employees if it were to be introduced.

Dave Madeley: This survey was government agencies only, one council and a government department representing approx. 1 per cent of workers. They reduced their work week from 40 hours per week down to either 35 or 36 hours. So their work day actually increased over those four days. Nothing that couldn’t happen now through negotiations really.

Sandra Sorrensen: A lot of business actually have a bit longer working day, to make up for the extra day off. But a lot work a nine day fortnight.

Judith Andersen: This would increase employment with job sharing opportunities for businesses that needed to operate longer than four days.

Michael Briggs: How’s it going to increase employment? Nobody’s applying for Toowoomba jobs now.

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Peter Solomon: If there is no drop in productivity or profits then possibly. Won’t work in all sectors and will mean staggered working weeks to ensure coverage.

Melanie King: Only if people would stop wanting to shop seven days a week. Go back to six days a week so retailers get a break too!

Tessa Jay: Lazy pricks. Then they will expect to still get paid for five days.

Julie-Anne Baker: No! You wouldn’t be able to afford to do it

Debbie Pratt: Pretty hard to get young generation to work five days so will probably suit them, and the big money earners, will suit them also.

Jeffry Bransgrove: I couldn’t afford that.

Chris Tyre Man Liebke: Yeah why not. Super just went up to 10 per cent, four day work week, wages just went up also. We also should just introduce all employers buy houses and cars for staff too.

Des Hansson: It’s better to allow private enterprises to run their businesses how they like. Let the so-called career expert run (her) own business with a four day working week.

Thomas James Whibley: Plenty of workplaces across Australia already have four day weeks and it’s very popular. No reason it shouldn’t be expanded.

Sarah Jane Haydon: Hell yes, and high school should start later.