Companies End Four-Day Week Trials in Favor of Flexibility

Bupa has ended its nine-day fortnight trial after 18 months in an effort to improve workplace flexibility.

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Pick & Scroll News
July 08, 2025

Bupa has ended its nine-day fortnight trial after 18 months in an effort to improve workplace flexibility. However, this change may impact how employees manage productivity and personal wellbeing. As of July 4, hundreds of staff returned to a standard five-day week, raising questions about the long-term sustainability of reduced hour work models in corporate Australia.


The insurer introduced the shortened schedule in late 2023 due to rising interest in alternative ways of working. This followed similar trials by companies such as Medibank and Unilever. These trials aimed to give employees additional time off without reducing pay by restructuring how time is spent and how tasks are prioritised.


Although Bupa has wound down its trial, Medibank continues its four-day week program and has expanded it to include 550 employees. Their model targets inefficiencies, including unnecessary meetings, to deliver the same results in less time. In contrast, Unilever ended its four-day schedule on July 1, citing a lack of flexibility despite seeing gains in efficiency. The company has instead adopted a more adaptable approach that allows employees to organise workloads based on personal needs.


Not every trial has ended. Consulting firm Grant Thornton made its nine-day fortnight permanent after a year long pilot. The move received strong support from staff, with 94% in favour and 85% reporting improved wellbeing. This shift highlights a growing trend toward more customised flexibility programs instead of universal reductions in working hours.


While some companies are moving back to traditional schedules, others remain committed to reimagining the workweek. The success of these models relies more on setting clear goals and tracking productivity than on the number of days worked. The mixed outcomes suggest that while shorter workweeks may not suit every business, flexible arrangements continue to evolve to better meet employee needs.