Murrumbidgee Council in New South Wales will trial a compressed four-day work week for employees starting in 2027 [1].
The move represents a strategic effort to attract and retain workers while avoiding an increase in residential rates. By restructuring the roster, the council hopes to modernize its workforce appeal in a competitive labor market.
Under the proposed trial, staff will maintain the existing 38-hour working week [2]. These hours will be compressed into four longer days instead of five [2]. The shift will apply to employees across the council's office, library, work crews, and depot [2].
General Manager John Scarce said the council is targeting a productivity improvement of $1.1 million [1]. This financial gain is intended to offset costs and maintain service levels without placing a further tax burden on local residents.
Staff participating in the trial could see a significant change in their weekly schedules. The compressed format would effectively provide employees with 52 long weekends per year [5].
Council officials said the trial is designed to balance operational needs with employee wellbeing. The transition to longer daily shifts is intended to ensure that essential services remain available to the public, while granting staff more consecutive days off.
“We're hoping for a $1.1 million productivity improvement.”
This trial tests whether a compressed work schedule—distinct from a reduced-hour work week—can solve the dual challenges of rural labor shortages and fiscal constraints. If Murrumbidgee Council achieves the projected productivity gains without degrading public services, it may provide a blueprint for other local government bodies in Australia to attract talent without increasing payroll costs.
