Take manufacturing: only three firms from this sector were included in the large UK trial. Since manufacturing has been subject to efficiency studies and labour-saving investment for a century or more, an overall 20 per cent "efficiency gain" to be had across the board seems unlikely.
As for the public sector, in Australia and other countries "efficiency savings" involving budget cuts of about 2 per cent a year have been common for decades. Any "slack" is likely to have been already squeezed out of the system. Again, reducing standard hours would result in the need to pay overtime rates or recruit extra staff, at extra cost.One scenario is that it could spread in those workplaces and sectors where productivity gains are achievable.
Those employers and sectors not offering reduced hours would find it harder to recruit staff. They would need to reduce hours, perhaps by stages, to compete. In the absence of productivity gains, they would be forced to absorb the extra costs or pass them on in increased prices.
Here I am working the seven day work week
Some European and Middle East countries adopted 4 day work week recently and has been a big success , massive increase in productivity and 50% reduction in sick leave, we should learn from them
Australia will probably be the last country to adopt 4 day work week
Teacher….
I would be happy with a 6day week! Lol
If you can have the work done in four days instead of five you have too much staff.
Good article! Especially points 2 and 3. …Or they could add 2 new public holidays yearly allowing gradual transition to automated technologies and a workless future. Less chance of sky falling in. Essential, irreplaceable and high demand workers can demand p/h rates. Win win.
Productivity research shows fewer hours per day has increased pro-rata productivity, eg 5 hr/day (66% of hours) can be 80-100% of productivity. And that makes sense - we all know we have periods of 'flow'. But increasing day by 30min and drop a day - hard to believe same output
Scary times for this country
Only applicable to ABC staff and people like Equity & Diversity Consultants (oh, and WHS managers as well).
Did ABC staff get their pay rise yet?
It will be interesting when the baker, butcher, dentist, doctors, plumber & electrician just to name a few start working the 4 day week.