Have You Thought About What the 4-Day Work Week Could Look Like for You?

The 4-day work week is back in the spotlight, and it’s got a lot of people talking. While it might not suit every business, it’s worth asking: could it work for yours?

There’s no single way to structure it. Some companies close completely one day a week, while others stagger time off across teams. Some reduce daily hours to create a shorter week without cutting productivity. Others use a seasonal model, averaging 32 hours per week across the year.

The idea isn’t about doing less work, it’s about working smarter, giving people space to recharge, and improving focus and retention.

What the 4-day week looks like overseas

The results overseas have been impressive. Unilever New Zealand’s trial, for example, was so successful it’s now being rolled out in Australia. Productivity went up. Stress went down. Engagement soared.

Could it work for your business?

Of course, every workplace is different. Customer demands, team size, and industry all play a role. But with creativity and good planning, flexible structures like the 4-day week could become part of how we work in New Zealand too.

So maybe it’s time to think about it. What could a shorter week look like for your business, and your people?