FEAR & GREED | Business News Q+A: Will we ever see a four-day working week?
Aug 14, 2025
Unions are pushing for a four-day work week, but the government has turned it down. The discussion dives into the balance between productivity and employee wellness, looking at successful trials from the UK and Iceland. Historical perspectives on work week lengths reveal how technology and AI are reshaping our work structures. Plus, the conversation touches on necessary actions for real change, especially as housing costs rise and workplace dynamics evolve. Will a shorter work week become a reality?
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Four-Day Week Sparks Political Pushback
- The ACTU proposed a four-day working week which the government promptly rejected as non-policy.
- The timing clashed with Reserve Bank warnings about falling productivity, making the proposal politically sensitive.
Not All Jobs Suit Shorter Weeks
- Adam Lang says a four-day week can't fit every job because some roles require in-person interaction for safety and training.
- He argues teams should decide what's feasible rather than a one-size-fits-all mandate.
Let Businesses Decide Adoption
- Let teams and businesses choose whether a four-day week fits their commercial realities instead of imposing a government mandate.
- Assess in-person needs, customer service delivery, and team connection before adopting changes.