Australian study finds four-day work week trials maintained or improved productivity across most participating companies

A Nature journal study of 15 Australian companies testing the 100:80:100 four-day work week model found that 14 continued after the trial, with none reporting lower productivity. Six companies said productivity increased, while others reported stable output across industries including property management, publishing, and health technology.

The findings strengthen the case that shorter work weeks can be a practical operating model rather than just an employee perk. By letting companies define productivity in business-relevant ways, the study suggests flexible work reforms may gain traction across more sectors.