A Tasmanian automotive business says its workers are “enjoying the additional days off” after adopting a four-day working week, as calls for the model grow across the nation.
Thousands of Bunnings employees are set to take part in a four-day working week trial.
Workers will receive a 10.5 per cent pay rise over three years and more annual leave.
However, they will still be required to work the 38 hours over the four days or nine days in a fortnight including some weekend shifts.
The automotive business welcomed the model to its staff across their six dealerships in Tasmania – Hobart, Burnie, Devonport, Launceston, South Launceston and Derwent Park.
Research has suggested a four-day working week benefits both employees and employers, allowing for greater productivity and improved cognitive function.
Jackson Motor Company welcomes four-day working week for its employees. Picture: Chris Kidd
The company first rolled out the initiative in March, with technicians given the choice to work 38 hours per week over four days – 9.5 hours each day – or continue the traditional five-day week – 7.6 hours each day – on the same salary.
JMC Principal Kristy Stewart said the biggest driver for the model was wanting to retain and attract new technicians by offering greater flexibility in the workplace, given there was no option to work from home.
“We believe our employees who have opted in to the four day work week are enjoying the additional days off,” she told Skynews.com.au on Wednesday.
“There is the option to switch back to the traditional working week if the tech wishes.
“The hours have not changed in a long time so we do need to adapt our mindset on the working week in order to attract the top 20 per cent of the labour market.”
Growing evidence supports four-day work week as beneficial for bosses and employees
Ms Stewart said three out of their six dealership points had chosen to adopt the four-day week.
However within each dealership, some workers are continuing to work over five days as they prefer the earlier finishes.
“Within each Dealership, that is on the four day work week, not every technician is doing it, some people prefer the 5 day working week with earlier finishes,” Ms Stewart said.
“It’s a lifestyle choice.”
‘Landmark agreement’: Bunnings trial to test out four-day work week
JMC has also rolled out a scheduled day off, which changes from week to week, however workers can see in advance which day it is.
Ms Stewart said the biggest challenge in having a shorter week is making sure there is “sufficient work” for the new businesses hours.
“The business hours have extended from 8am until 6pm which means reception staff need to have the work in a technicians bay by 8am to maximise productivity,” she said.
The four-day working week has gained traction in recent years, spurred on by the normalisation of flexible working arrangements during the COVID-19 pandemic.
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A report released by the Senate Select Committee on March 10 proposed sweeping policy recommendations to overhaul Australia’s workplace laws.
Labor and the Greens pushed the government to consider trialling a four-day week using the 100:80:100 model – where employees retain 100 per cent of their salary while reducing their hours to 80 per cent.
On March 23, Oxfam Australia became the first company to offer employees a four-day working week after sealing a landmark enterprise bargaining agreement with the Australian Services Union.
Since then businesses across the nation have welcomed the trial, including Perth company EES Shipping and Bunnings Australia, in a bid to improve productivity and employee morale.