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More than one-third expect the change in the next five years with flexibility a top priority for staff, according to Robert Half.
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Most employers support four-day week, with SMEs leading the way
20 April 2023
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Most employers would support a four-day work week for staff, according to recruitment firm Robert Half, with small to medium businesses the most enthusiastic.
A survey by the firm found 71 per cent of employers would support the transition and over a third (34 per cent) said they expected their organisation would move to a four-day work week within the next five years.
Nicole Gorton, a director at Robert Half, said the pandemic had forced remote working but brought newfound flexibility and could help make four-day weeks a reality.
“Companies have embraced remote working as a result of the pandemic, but they are realising there are opportunities to alter their workplace strategies to offer the flexibility their teams request while also supporting culture, collaboration and efficiency,” said Ms Gorton.
“Flexibility has never been so important to the modern-day workforce. Granting individuals the freedom to establish their own schedules exemplifies a sense of trust and can be seen as companies taking the next step to transform the way we work to foster sustained work-life harmony.”
“With candidates placing flexibility in their top priorities, offering a four-day work week helps attraction and retention efforts, while also contributing to staff morale and productivity.”
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Robert Half found small and medium-sized business leaders were the most supportive of the four-day work week with 38 per cent saying it would be in place within five years while a further 34 per cent said the transition to fewer days would be possible.
Ms Gorton said the prosperity of the four-day work week trials globally had also influenced employers' opinions of the possible transition.
“With successful four-day work week trials across the globe creating momentum, Australian employers are showing an increased willingness to consider the transition if their business model allows it,” she said.
“However, implementing a four-day work week is not a one-size-fits-all scenario.”
“Potential pitfalls include longer days, which may lead to burnout or employee dissatisfaction as well as projects and products taking longer to complete.”
Four out 10 employers said staff requests would be key to forcing the change while 37 per cent said business results would be critical.
The survey revealed businesses would also be motivated by the success of four-day weeks at other companies while 26 per cent said the move would driven by the skills shortage.
Robert Half admitted four-day weeks would fail to work for some businesses, but said they should aim to appeal to staff through other flexible options.
“Businesses need to evaluate whether this move is at all possible based on their operational model and customer base,” said Ms Gorton.
“If this is off the cards, offering other flexible benefits like remote working options or early finishes provide a strong alternative that allows the opportunity to tend to personal commitments.”
“Four-day work weeks are not the only way to accommodate flexibility, so it boils down to what extent companies can facilitate these changes.”
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