Medibank to Expand Four-Day Working Week Trial After ‘Significant’ Improvements

 Medibank, one of Australia’s largest private health insurers, has announced plans to expand its four-day working week trial following the success of an initial pilot program. The trial, which has been running across select teams, reportedly led to significant improvements in employee well-being, productivity, and overall job satisfaction.

Positive Results from the Initial Trial

The initial four-day working week pilot, which Medibank introduced as part of a broader effort to promote flexible working conditions, has yielded impressive results. Employees participating in the trial reported higher levels of engagement, reduced burnout, and an improved work-life balance. Importantly, productivity did not suffer during the shorter working week, with many teams maintaining or even improving output despite having fewer working hours.

Medibank’s Chief People and Culture Officer, Kylie Bishop, noted that the trial highlighted how employees can be more effective when given the opportunity to work flexibly. "We've seen clear benefits for both the company and our people, proving that a four-day week can support better outcomes without compromising performance," she said.

Expansion of the Trial

Due to the positive outcomes, Medibank plans to expand the trial to include more teams and departments, with the potential for a company-wide rollout in the future. The expansion will allow Medibank to gather more comprehensive data on the long-term sustainability of the four-day working week and its effects on different areas of the business.

Employees participating in the trial work four days a week while maintaining full-time salaries and benefits. The company’s approach allows for a more compressed schedule, enabling workers to achieve their targets while enjoying an extra day off.

Industry Shift Toward Flexible Work

Medibank’s decision to trial and expand the four-day working week is part of a growing global trend among businesses seeking to provide employees with more flexible and balanced work arrangements. The move aligns with a broader shift in how companies are reevaluating traditional work models, especially in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, which accelerated the adoption of remote and hybrid work across many industries.

As businesses increasingly focus on employee well-being and retention, the four-day workweek is gaining momentum as a way to attract talent and enhance productivity without overburdening staff. Other Australian companies are also exploring similar trials, with positive results reported in industries ranging from finance to technology.

Looking Ahead

Medibank's expansion of the four-day week trial could pave the way for broader adoption across the organisation and perhaps inspire other Australian companies to follow suit. As the trial progresses, Medibank will continue to monitor its impact on business performance, employee satisfaction, and overall company culture.

If the success continues, Medibank’s innovative approach to flexible work could set a precedent for more companies to explore reduced working hours as a viable model for the future of work.