New Australian study makes stronger case for four-day work week

It's the question that refuses to abate - is it time to move to a four-day work week? 

A new study from the University of South Australia has revealed more data in support of a move to a four-day work week, finding that such a change would have significant physical and mental health benefits for Australian workers, which in turn would also benefit employers.

Over 13 months, the study found participants who worked four-day weeks were 13 percent more likely to engage in moderate or vigorous physical exercise, and slept better for longer, which in turn benefitted their productivity and health.

It's a known fact that well-rested workers enjoy an improved mood, better cognitive function and are more productive, and a change to the working week appears the most effective method to capitalise, especially with an increasingly fatigued workforce facing increasing pressures outside the workplace.

More rest has also been proven to help lower the risks of serious health conditions like obesity and heart disease, reducing long-term risks and also providing a long-term benefit to employers.

The findings support the data of an international study across 33 companies in six countries, released last year. That study seemingly confirmed such a move would increase productivity and reduce absenteeism. It also found that globally, the move to a shorter work week reduced stress - with over 60 percent of participants confirming they felt less burnt-out, with subsequent reductions in fatigue, insomnia and resignations.

The findings of the previous study were so resounding that over half of the participating organisations decided to retain the four-day work week, finding no detriment to productivity and output. It remains to be seen if this new study will result in a wider change.