Murrumbidgee Council has confirmed it will be trialling a four-day work week for its staff, beginning at the start of next year. Photo: Murrumbidgee Council.
Murrumbidgee Council has become the first LGA in the country to commit to a four-day work week, with hopes of improving work-life balance, productivity and attracting new staff.
The arrangement will be trialled for 15 months, with plans for the trial to begin on 1 January 2027.
Murrumbidgee Council said it would review the changes after 12 months to determine whether they would become permanent.
In the lead-up to the decision, the council held two community consultation periods to determine whether residents approved of the change.
During the first engagement period, eight of the 12 submissions opposed the change, with only three in favour and one mixed.
In the second period the council provided a survey for community members to provide feedback, which received 44 responses. Seventeen submissions opposed the proposal, 20 approved and seven felt neutral.
A Murrumbidgee Council spokesperson said the consultation process included community surveys, nine drop-in sessions across Jerilderie, Coleambally and Darlington Point, and ongoing communication through council’s website, newsletter and social media platforms.
Murrumbidgee Council General Manager John Scarce said the decision to make the switch to four days came following the second round of feedback, stating the “lack of responses” led to the confirmation of the trial.
“I could not make this determination after the first round, but I can after the second round. The lack of responses clearly demonstrates that an overwhelming majority of residents and ratepayers have no issue with the proposed four-day week,” he said.
“My recommendation at last week’s meeting was that council proceed to developing an agreement reflecting the four-day week being Monday to Thursday, that this agreement be for a period of 15 months in duration to allow for a review after 12 months,” he said.
“The review will take into consideration the performance measures contained within the agreement, a vote by the staff, and a vote by the elected representatives to see if the four-day week continues past the 15-month agreement period.”
The council has confirmed that while the reduction in working days will go ahead, the number of hours staff work each week will remain the same.
“Under the proposed arrangement, most council staff would work their usual weekly hours between Monday and Thursday, with council offices, depots and libraries closed on Fridays,” a spokesperson said.
“The agreement will include performance measures and provide for a review after 12 months. The review and a vote by staff and councillors will inform any decision on whether the arrangement continues beyond the 15-month trial.
“Further information, including frequently asked questions about the proposed four-day working week, is available on council’s website.”
