Australia's 2025 Business Revolution: The Four-Day Work Week

The four-day work week is no longer a niche experiment; it’s quickly becoming a mainstream movement for Australian businesses, with over a third of companies expecting to adopt it within the next five years.

A recent study by Rippling found that while 75% of business leaders believe a four-day work week would improve productivity, only 25% have taken steps toward implementing it. However, the tide is changing. The rapid adoption of this model by major Australian brands is a clear signal that the future of work is shifting—and the four-day work week is leading the charge.

Big Brands and Progressive Startups Are Adopting the Four-Day Week in Australia

Raisely is at the forefront of the four-day work week movement, pioneering innovative approaches to employee well-being and productivity. By prioritising work-life balance and embracing a results-driven culture, Raisely has demonstrated that a shorter workweek not only enhances employee satisfaction but also boosts overall performance. As more companies look to adapt to the changing landscape of work, Raisely’s experience serves as a powerful example of how embracing bold changes can transform workplace dynamics and shape the future of business in Australia.

Raisely’s commitment to the four-day work week, which started in 2022, is just one example of the evolving trend. Medibank, one of Australia’s leading private health insurers, recently expanded its four-day work week trial to 500 employees. The results were overwhelmingly positive: staff became happier, healthier, and more efficient. Their trial was conducted in collaboration with 4 Day Week Global, and the data is being tracked by Macquarie University’s Health and Wellbeing Research Unit.

Similarly, retail giant Bunnings is experimenting with a four-day week for its employees. The company signed an agreement with the Shop Distributive and Allied Employees Association (SDA), offering 40,000 employees the option to condense their 40-hour workweek into four days. The response has been positive, and the shift is expected to reshape the way retail work-life balance is managed in the future.

This growing trend indicates that the four-day work week isn’t just a passing fad—it’s becoming a fundamental shift in how businesses are approaching employee well-being, productivity, and workplace culture.

Why the Four-Day Week is Gaining Traction

The demand for a four-day work week is driven by a fundamental desire for better work-life balance. As employees become more vocal about the importance of mental health and personal time, businesses are realising that a flexible, employee-centric work structure can actually boost engagement and productivity. Research consistently shows that when people have more control over their schedules, they’re not only happier but also more focused and motivated during their work hours.

Jordan Maitland, Raisely’s Chief Customer Officer, emphasised this in a recent interview on Channel 7’s Sunrise. When she proposed the idea of a four-day work week to Raisely’s CEO, she was looking for a better work-life balance as she prepared for the birth of her second child. After a three-month trial, the company saw a remarkable 10% increase in productivity despite reducing work hours by 20%. "It was transformative for our company," said Jordan. "The four-day work week isn’t just about working less; it’s about working smarter and supporting our people in ways that improve their overall well-being."

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Raisely’s Chief Customer Officer, Jordan Maitland, was interviewed on Channel 7’s Sunrise about our 4 day work week

Jordan’s story, along with the results from other companies like Medibank and Bunnings, demonstrates that the four-day work week isn’t just good for employees—it’s good for business.

The Time is Now: Embrace the Change

As the world of work evolves, businesses that resist this shift risk falling behind. The four-day work week is a chance to rethink traditional approaches to productivity and employee engagement. Companies that adopt this model will be seen as forward-thinking employers who prioritise their people’s mental health and quality of life, ultimately attracting top talent in a competitive job market.

Raisely has shown that a four-day work week is not only achievable but can be highly beneficial for both employees and employers. And with 75% of business leaders acknowledging the potential benefits, it’s clear that the four-day week is on the rise in Australia. The question is no longer if but when businesses will make the shift.

If your company is considering a transition to a four-day work week, Raisely has developed a comprehensive playbook to guide you through the process. Our Raisely 4-Day Week Playbook provides actionable insights and strategies for implementing a successful four-day work week at your organisation.

Download the Raisely 4-Day Week Playbook

It’s time to join the movement and embrace the future of work. Let’s make 2025 the year that the four-day work week becomes the standard in Australian workplaces.

Further Reading:

Jordan Maitland discusses the four-day work week in News.com.au here
Katrina Huergo, Raisely’s CFO, speaks about the four-day work week in HR Leader here
Raisely’s transformation and productivity improvements are featured in News.com.au here

Let’s make 2025 the year of the four-day work week in Australia.