We are witnessing a turning point in Australia. Productivity, which drives wages, growth, and competitiveness, has almost stopped. The Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) warns that without better output per worker, the average Australian household will lose buying power equal to $14,000 by 2035.
At the same time, the accounting and professional services industry faces its own issues:
- A lack of qualified staff.
- Many tired and stressed employees.
- Customers who want quicker round-the-clock service.
In light of this situation, the notion of a four-day workweek, once seen as a radical idea, is now a topic of serious discussion in corporate boardrooms, union meetings, and news outlets. On the heels of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Productivity Commission linked flexible work arrangements to improved staff retention and increased productivity.
The debate now centres not on whether the four-day week will become common in mainstream businesses, but on how it will happen.
Reasons the Four-Day Work Week Is Being Considered
A Game-Changer in Hiring
The fight for top talent is fiercer than ever. A study by CPA Australia revealed that 72% of accountants under the age of 40 would consider changing jobs for a better work-life balance. Companies offering four-day workweeks report:
- 50% lower staff turnover
- 3x more job applications
- 85% increase in worker satisfaction
More Productivity, Not Less
People worry that a shorter week will lead to less work. But studies show the opposite.
A Boston College study (2025) found:
- boost in productivity
- drop in time-wasting
- fewer mistakes in financial reports
James Robertson, Partner at Sydney’s Eclipse Advisory, talked about his firm’s experience: “Four-day compression of work makes us more efficient. We cut 60% of internal meetings after implementing the change.” More and more evidence suggests that when implemented correctly, the four-day workweek boosts productivity, not takes a break.
Clients Adapt: With Less Trouble Than Thought
Despite worries, most customers don’t even realise the change. Successful companies handle this by:
- Split staffing (Team A works Mon–Thurs, Team B Tues–Fri).
- AI chatbots are solving 30% of common customer questions.
- Clear communication about response times.
A KPMG study showed that 78% of customers saw no drop in service after their accountant moved to a four-day workweek.
The Hidden Challenges
We are, of course, well aware that no significant change comes without risk. The 40-hour workweek was introduced in 1948 and has been the gold standard for “full-time” work since then.
Client Pushback
Not every client cheers this change.
- High-net-worth individuals often want quick answers.
- Some small businesses need unexpected, on-the-spot help.
- Older clients may prefer in-person meetings over remote tools and request them.
Making Four-Day Weeks Work
- Use Technology to your advantage
Automation forms the basis of efficiency.
- AI document processing (like Dext and Receipt Bank).
- Smart scheduling tools to spread out the workload.
- Chatbots that handle 40% of common questions.
- Think About Revenue Models
Four-day weeks need flexible pricing; hourly billing won’t fit that mould. Companies are switching to:
- Fixed-fee packages.
- Retainer contracts.
- Premium tiers for quick turnaround requests.
- How to Put It Into Action
The most effective rollouts (of almost everything) take a staged approach:
- Months 1–3: Find and cut out 30% of tasks that don’t add much value.
- Months 4–6: Test it with one team.
- Months 7–12: Spread it across the whole firm, while keeping an eye on how it’s working.
This step-by-step approach allows you to fine-tune the details and assess the broader impact the change will have before committing to it fully.
The Bigger Picture: Change at the National Level
The four-day workweek extends beyond a simple workplace benefit; it is part of a broader discussion on economic reform.
Business leaders have called for sweeping reforms, including portable mortgages, tax simplification, and the authority to set state income taxes and highlighted ahead of the federal Economic Reform Roundtable. Unions fight for shorter workweeks without reducing pay. And writers at The Guardian caution that Australia might just be “putting lipstick on a dinosaur” if changes remain superficial.
In this climate, the four-day workweek means more than just a staffing policy. It represents a shift in what we value: prioritising efficiency, emphasising well-being, and aligning with the expectations of younger professionals who define success as a balance of both profit and personal fulfilment.
Final Thoughts
In short, the four-day workweek is proving to be far more than a feel-good initiative. For firms battling talent shortages, it is a recruitment magnet. For those worried about output, studies show productivity rises when time is compressed. For clients, most see little change when firms communicate clearly and utilise technology effectively.
That said, success depends on careful design. Seasonal crunches, blurred “off-days”, and client pushback remain real risks. The firms that make it work are those that segment their services, automate routine tasks, and rethink outdated billing models. In other words, the four-day workweek isn’t about cutting hours; it’s about reshaping the way firms deliver value.
The four-day workweek doesn’t fix everything. Companies that cut hours without adjusting their work processes will struggle. Companies that overhaul their methods, pricing, and workplace culture will succeed.
This isn’t about doing less work; it’s about working smarter, more focused, and in a way that lasts.
Companies ready to boost their productivity can expect great results: easier hiring, fewer people quitting, better work, and more satisfied customers.
Wondering if your company could make this change?
Contact Roger Boghani for sector-specific advice tailored to your business, delivered with a custom approach. Finding the right balance between what clients want and what’s good for your staff. The companies that come up with new ideas today will shape the future of Australia’s professional services.
