Cited by 2Work-Family Balance ChallengesWorkplace Health and Well-beingEmployee Performance and Management

The four-day workweek in Australia: insights from early adopters of the 100:80:100 model

Open access
Hopkins, John, Bardoel, E Anne, Djurkovic, Nikola·2026·Humanities and Social Sciences Communications

Abstract

A new version of the four-day workweek is rapidly gaining global attention, in response to increasing demands for flexible work arrangements, rising burnout levels and a greater emphasis on the importance of work-life balance in post-pandemic workplaces. The ‘100:80:100 model’ – which offers employees 100% pay for 80% of their previous working hours, in exchange for a commitment to maintain 100% productivity – not only offers to reduce the number of days employees are required to work but also reduces their overall number of weekly work hours. This research uses a series of semi-structured interviews with key decision-makers ( n = 15) from distinct firms ( n = 15) throughout Australia who have already trialled this new workplace arrangement, to investigate their motivations for trialling it, and identify the key characteristics, benefits, challenges, performance measures, and potential for promoting a healthier work-life balance. Ten major themes were identified from the interview data, which illustrate that the 100:80:100 model is a form of work arrangement that, if management-led and employee-driven, can lead to improvements in work-life balance and support burnout reduction. Using a combination of border, boundary, and transformational leadership theories, our findings indicate successful adoption requires clear motivations for change, adequate planning and training, and established measures for evaluating both short-term and long-term success. Many examples of both work and non-work life benefits were captured; a 25% increase in hourly productivity was not required to maintain previous performance levels, the boundaries between work and non-work were clearly communicated across all different 100:80:100 schedules, and boundary permeability was found to be low. Academic studies into the 100:80:100 model are currently lacking, so these findings—based on the first-hand lived experiences of those who have experimented with this form of four-day week—make a valuable contribution to this emerging topic, providing important insights for both scholars, practitioners and policy makers. Working time reduction also has implications for the United Nations sustainable development goals, and the attainment of SDG3 (Good health and well-being), SDG5 (Gender equality), and SDG8 (Decent work and economic growth) targets.

Verified 2026-10-06 · 19 references not checked yet

AI snapshot

Written from the paper’s full text.

TL;DR

This qualitative study interviews 15 Australian leaders from 15 organisations that trialled the 100:80:100 four-day workweek model, finding that most continued it and reported maintained or improved productivity alongside better work-life balance and reduced burnout. The authors argue successful adoption is management-led but employee-driven, requires planning, training, and performance measurement, and does not necessarily require a 25% hourly productivity increase.

Key findings

  • Motivations for trialling the 100:80:100 model were most often burnout prevention (n=6) and improving employee work-life balance (n=5), followed by recruitment (n=2), productivity (n=2), and retention (n=1).
  • Productivity after adoption was reported as increased by n=6 (43%) organisations and about the same by n=8 (57%); none reported a drop, and Organisation 3 could not answer because it abandoned the pilot.
  • At the time of interviews, n=14 of n=15 organisations were still offering the model; Organisation 3 abandoned it one month after its 6-month trial ended.
  • Ten major themes and three minor themes emerged, including work-life balance up/less burnout, management-led/employee-driven implementation, productivity up with waste removed, performance measurement, recruitment/retention tool, and the extra day as a “gift” not an entitlement; the paper states a 25% increase in hourly productivity was not required to maintain previous performance levels.

Methods

  • Qualitative design using semi-structured interviews with n=15 key decision-makers from n=15 distinct Australian organisations that had completed a formal 100:80:100 pilot/trial.
  • Participants included n=10 females and n=5 males; organisations were small or medium in size, ranging from 2 to 85 full-time employees, across industries such as training/consulting, marketing, professional services, healthcare, recruitment, property management, financial advice, and logistics.
  • Interviews lasted 39:19 to 67:48 minutes (median 52.12 minutes), were transcribed and analysed using inductive thematic analysis; two researchers independently coded transcripts, with saturation reported after the twelfth interview.

Limitations

  • Stated: the 100:80:100 model is still relatively new, the research population is small, and follow-up in 2–5 years is needed to understand long-term impact.
  • Stated: participants were key decision-makers behind the trials, so responses may be subject to attribution bias and self-serving bias; future work should include lower-level employees and quantitative surveys of larger pools.
  • Stated/evident: all data came from leaders in small-to-medium organisations, workloads and schedules varied, comparisons between groups cannot be made with the current methodology, and productivity evidence in the broader literature is described as more anecdotal than hard-metric based.

Model-written summary. Check it against the paper before relying on it.

Integrity signals

Registry

Crossref · 10.1057/s41599-026-07536-x

Cites

54 of 80 references verified0 citation errors · 7 not checkable

Statistics

Nothing to recompute.

Claims the paper makes

2 of 19 cited sources checked · 0 supported · 1 flagged · accuracy not yet measured

  • Premisecitation

    The first academic study of the 100:80:100 model was in 2025.

    “First academic study = 2025”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim1 of 1 sources checked
    • cites Ang, 2025 source

      The opening section describes the 100:80:100 model and cites reference 1 for it. The References section identifies reference 1 as a 2024 academic systematic review, contrary to the claim that the first academic study of the model was in 2025. (LLM, conf=0.84)

      Checked by a reasoning model — may be wrong.

      Experimental — accuracy not yet measured
  • Findingnone given

    A 25% increase in hourly productivity was not required to maintain previous performance levels.

    “a 25% increase in hourly productivity was not required to maintain previous performance levels”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim
    • Rests on an assumption: The leaders interviewed were the best-qualified individuals to provide accurate insights into the 100:80:100 model's implementation and effects.
    • Rests on an assumption: The 100:80:100 model's effects on productivity can be adequately assessed through leaders' reports.
  • Findingown data

    All participating organisations were small or medium in size, ranging from 2 to 85 full-time employees.

    “all organisations participating in this study were either small or medium in size, ranging from 2 to 85 full-time employees”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim
  • Findingown data

    Six of the participating organisations (43%) reported that productivity had increased since the introduction of the 100:80:100 model.

    “n=6 (43%) of the participating organisations indicated that productivity had increased since the introduction of the F=100:80:100 model”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim
    • Rests on an assumption: The self-reported productivity measures used by participating firms are valid and comparable enough to support conclusions about productivity changes.
  • Findingown data

    Leaders identified successful implementation of the scheme as 'management led but employee driven'.

    “This was evidenced by the leaders identifying the successful implementation of the scheme being 'management led but employee driven'”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim
  • May combine two claims. 41
  • Classified as probably not a substantial claim. 48
  • May combine two claims.

    Study design and conductown data

    Data saturation was achieved: no fresh insights or themes arose after the twelfth interview, confirmed by three additional interviews.

    “the researchers agreed that no fresh insights or themes arose after the twelfth interview in this study”
    • Also stated in: § Methods · plain
      “This was confirmed by the additional three interviews that were conducted, in which no new insights were gained.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim1 of 1 sources checked
    • cites Hennink & Kaiser, 2022 source

      The Discussion reports that saturation occurred after an average of 12–13 interviews across the studies reviewed. Section 3.1.1 describes confirming saturation with two or three consecutive interviews yielding no new issues. Neither passage establishes that the researchers in the citing study found no fresh themes after their twelfth interview or confirmed that finding with three additional interviews; page numbers are not available in our copy. (LLM, conf=0.87)

      Experimental — accuracy not yet measured
  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

    Findingnone given

    The 100:80:100 model is a recruitment/retention tool.

    “the 100:80:100 model as a”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim
    • Rests on an assumption: The leaders interviewed were the best-qualified individuals to provide accurate insights into the 100:80:100 model's implementation and effects.
    • Rests on an assumption: The themes identified from the interviews reflect actual patterns of experience across the organisations, not just the leaders' perceptions.
  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

    Findingown data

    Ten major themes and three minor themes emerged from the study.

    “Overall, ten major themes and three minor themes emerged from this study into the 100:80:100 model”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim
    • Rests on an assumption: The 100:80:100 model was implemented consistently enough across organisations to allow thematic comparison.
    • Rests on an assumption: The themes identified from interviews are representative of the organisations' experiences.
  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S1 (asserted), S3 (load-bearing).

    Findingown data

    Leaders would not return to a 5-day workweek.

    “C1 included”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim
    • Rests on an assumption: The leaders interviewed were the best-qualified individuals to provide accurate insights into the 100:80:100 model's implementation and effects.
    • Rests on an assumption: The themes identified from the interviews reflect actual patterns of experience across the organisations, not just the leaders' perceptions.
  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing). May combine two claims.

    Findingown data

    The three minor themes were: (1) Part-time problem; (2) Mixed reactions of clients/customers; and (3) Train for leisure.

    “The three minor themes that were identified are: (1) Part-time problem; (2) Mixed reactions of clients/customers; and (3) Train for leisure.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim
    • Rests on an assumption: The 100:80:100 model was implemented consistently enough across organisations to allow thematic comparison.
    • Rests on an assumption: The themes identified from interviews are representative of the organisations' experiences.
  • May combine two claims.

    Findingown data

    Participating organisations reported increases in recruitment and retention, and decreases in sick days.

    “A range of other benefits were also reported, including increases in recruitment and retention, and decreases in sick days.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim
  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

    Findingnone given

    Many examples of both work and non-work life benefits were captured.

    “Many examples of both work and non-work life benefits were captured”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim
  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

    Findingown data

    Organisation 3's abandonment of the 100:80:100 model was influenced by COVID-19 and a period of significant change.

    “admitted timing was a big factor, as the business was heavily impacted by COVID-19 and was undergoing a period of significant change.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim
  • May combine two claims.

    Findingown data

    Several challenges were reported, including what to do with part-time staff, reduced availability of employees, and general scepticism around the ability to complete five days of work in just four days.

    “However, several challenges were revealed too, including what to do with part-time staff, the reduced availability of employees, and general scepticism around the ability to complete five days of work in just four days.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim
  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing), S4 (based).

    Findingnone given

    Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) are at or better than those of a 5-day workweek.

    “Key Performance Indicators [KPIs] at or better than that of 5-day workweek”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim
    • Rests on an assumption: The leaders interviewed were the best-qualified individuals to provide accurate insights into the 100:80:100 model's implementation and effects.
    • Rests on an assumption: The themes identified from the interviews reflect actual patterns of experience across the organisations, not just the leaders' perceptions.
  • Classified as probably not a substantial claim.

    Findingown data

    Ten major themes were identified from the interview data.

    “Ten major themes were identified from the interview data”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim
  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

    Findingown data

    Adopting the 4DWW takes work.

    “C2 included”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim
    • Rests on an assumption: The leaders interviewed were the best-qualified individuals to provide accurate insights into the 100:80:100 model's implementation and effects.
    • Rests on an assumption: The themes identified from the interviews reflect actual patterns of experience across the organisations, not just the leaders' perceptions.
  • May combine two claims.

    Findingnone given

    Other motivations for trialling the 100:80:100 model were to improve recruitment (n=2), productivity (n=2), and employee retention (n=1).

    “Other motivations for trialling the 100:80:100 model were to improve recruitment (n=2), productivity (n=2), and employee retention (n=1).”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim
  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

    Findingown data

    Organisation 3 was the smallest participating company, with two full-time employees.

    “Organisation 3 was also the smallest participating company in this study, with just two full-time employees”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim
  • Classified as probably not a substantial claim. May combine two claims.

    Findingnone given

    Work-life balance is up and burnout is less.

    “Work-life balance up, less burnout”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim
    • Rests on an assumption: The leaders interviewed were the best-qualified individuals to provide accurate insights into the 100:80:100 model's implementation and effects.
    • Rests on an assumption: The themes identified from the interviews reflect actual patterns of experience across the organisations, not just the leaders' perceptions.
  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

    Findingnone given

    The 100:80:100 model is a 'gift', not a 'part-timer problem'.

    “the 100:80:100 model is a 'gift', not an”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim
    • Rests on an assumption: The leaders interviewed were the best-qualified individuals to provide accurate insights into the 100:80:100 model's implementation and effects.
    • Rests on an assumption: The themes identified from the interviews reflect actual patterns of experience across the organisations, not just the leaders' perceptions.
  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

    Findingnone given

    Clients/customers have mixed reactions to the 100:80:100 model.

    “Mixed reactions of clients/customers to 100:80:100 model.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim
    • Rests on an assumption: The leaders interviewed were the best-qualified individuals to provide accurate insights into the 100:80:100 model's implementation and effects.
    • Rests on an assumption: The themes identified from the interviews reflect actual patterns of experience across the organisations, not just the leaders' perceptions.
  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing), S4 (based). May combine two claims.

    Findingnone given

    Productivity is up and waste is removed.

    “C1 included”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim
    • Rests on an assumption: The leaders interviewed were the best-qualified individuals to provide accurate insights into the 100:80:100 model's implementation and effects.
    • Rests on an assumption: The themes identified from the interviews reflect actual patterns of experience across the organisations, not just the leaders' perceptions.
  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

    Findingown data

    Lots of training and communications are needed.

    “Lots of training/communications needed”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim
    • Rests on an assumption: The leaders interviewed were the best-qualified individuals to provide accurate insights into the 100:80:100 model's implementation and effects.
    • Rests on an assumption: The themes identified from the interviews reflect actual patterns of experience across the organisations, not just the leaders' perceptions.
  • May combine two claims.

    Findingown data

    The most frequently expressed motivations for trialling the 100:80:100 model were burnout prevention (n=6) and improving employee work-life balance (n=5).

    “The most frequently expressed motivations were burnout prevention (n=6) and improving the WLB of their employees (n=5).”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim
    • Rests on an assumption: The leaders interviewed were the best-qualified individuals to provide accurate insights into the 100:80:100 model's implementation and effects.
  • Classified as probably not a substantial claim. May combine two claims.

    Findingown data

    The ten major themes were: (1) Work-life balance up, less burnout; (2) Management-led/employee-driven; (3) Form of FWA; (4) Requires planning and training; (5) Diverse schedules; (6) Productivity up, waste removed; (7) Productivity measurement; (8) Recruitment/retention tool; (9) A 'gift' not 'entitlement'; and (10) Would not go back.

    “) Work-life balance up, less burnout; (2) Management-led/employee-driven; (3) Form of FWA; (4) Requires planning and training; (5) Diverse schedules; (6) Productivity up, waste removed; (7) Productivity measurement; (8) Recruitment/retention tool; (9) A 'gift' not 'entitlement'; and (10) Would not go back.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim
    • Rests on an assumption: The 100:80:100 model was implemented consistently enough across organisations to allow thematic comparison.
    • Rests on an assumption: The themes identified from interviews are representative of the organisations' experiences.
  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

    Findingnone given

    The process was management-led/employee-driven.

    “'Management-led/employeedriven' process”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim
  • May combine two claims.

    Findingnone given

    Leaders modelled new behaviours and motivated change.

    “Leaders modelled new behaviours, motivated change”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim
  • May combine two claims.

    Findingnone given

    Employees had positive views about added leisure, more time spent on hobbies and pastimes, less stressful family life, and less burnout.

    “Positive views of employees about added leisure, more time spent on hobbies and pastimes, less stressful family life, and less burnout.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim
  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing), S4 (based).

    Findingnone given

    The 100:80:100 model is attractive to young, talented, ambitious prospective or current employees.

    “100:80:100 model is attractive to young, talented, ambitious prospective or current employees.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim
  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing). May combine two claims.

    Findingnone given

    Many leaders say their clients/customers were excited to hear about the 100:80:100 model, whilst others were somewhat fearful.

    “Many leaders say their clients/customers were excited to hear about 100:80:100 model, whilst others were somewhat fearful.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim
  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing), S4 (based). May combine two claims.

    Findingnone given

    Managers initiate study/training/pilot and determine if continuation of the 100:80:100 model but involve employees at each step.

    “Managers initiate study/training/pilot and determine if continuation of 100:80:100 model but involve employees at each step.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim
  • May combine two claims.

    Findingnone given

    Part-time employees pose a challenge for the 100:80:100 model, and are either left out of the offering or offered alternative benefits such as a pro-rata increase in annual leave days.

    “Part-time employees pose a challenge for the 100:80:100 model, and are either left out of the offering, or offered alternative benefits (e.g.pro-rata increase in annual leave days).”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim
  • May combine two claims.

    Findingown data

    Boundaries between work and non-work life were clearly communicated across the different 100:80:100 schedules, with gift days known/rostered in advance, giving employees temporal control and supporting work-life boundary management.

    “The boundaries between work and non-work life were found to be clearly communicated across the different 100:80:100 model schedules described by the participating organisations, with 'gift days' being known/rostered in advance, giving employees good levels of temporal control and supporting their ability to manage work-life boundaries.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim
  • May combine two claims.

    Findingown data

    A 25% increase in hourly productivity was not required to maintain existing performance levels when moving from a 5-day week to the 100:80:100 model, partly due to simultaneous waste reduction measures.

    “it was clear from participant reports that a 25% increase in hourly productivity was not required to maintain existing performance levels when moving from a 5-day week to the 100:80:100 model, partly due to our participants simultaneously introducing a range of 'waste reduction' measures”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim
    • Rests on an assumption: The self-reported productivity measures used by participating firms are valid and comparable enough to support conclusions about productivity changes.
  • May combine two claims.

    Findingnone given

    Managers and employees like the 100:80:100 model so much that they cannot imagine going back to a 5-day week, and some indicated their employees would look for the 100:80:100 model elsewhere if this offering was cancelled.

    “Managers and employees like the 100:80:100 model so much that they cannot imagine going back to a 5-day week, some indicating their employees would look for the100:80:100 model elsewhere if this offering was cancelled.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim
  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing), S4 (based). May combine two claims.

    Findingnone given

    Organisations who implement the 100:80:100 model tend to have progressive HR practices, and a history of offering other FWAs.

    “Organisations who implement 100:80:100 model tend to have progressive HR practices, and a history of offering other FWAs.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim
  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

    Findingcitation

    Leaders in the study believe their employees prefer a flexible work arrangement that provides a strong boundary between work and home.

    “the leaders participating in our study believe their employees prefer a form of flexible work arrangement that provides a strong boundary between work and home (Clark, 2000).”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites Clark, 2000 source
    • Rests on an assumption: The leaders' reports about employee experiences and preferences accurately reflect those of employees.
  • May combine two claims.

    Findingnone given

    Exceptions are made for client/customer needs or individual employee needs.

    “exceptions are clearly made for either client/customer needs, or for individual employee needs.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim
  • May combine two claims.

    Findingown data

    Leaders prioritised burnout prevention and mental health.

    “Leaders prioritised burnout prevention, mental health”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim
  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing). May combine two claims.

    Findingnone given

    The 100:80:100 model operates as a psychological contract such that performance standards must be maintained, and gift days must be earned, or the gift can be taken away.

    “Psychological contract such that performance standards must be maintained, and gift days must be earned, or the gift can be taken away.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim
  • May combine two claims.

    Findingown data

    An overall sense of improved wellbeing was established, with examples of non-work life benefits for families and relationships.

    “An overall sense of improved wellbeing was clearly established, with explicit examples of non-work life benefits for families and relationships being captured”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim
  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

    Study design and conductown data

    All participants provided written consent before taking part.

    “all participants were required to provide written consent before taking part in the interviews.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim
  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

    Study design and conductnone given

    Two researchers independently read the transcripts to identify initial codes.

    “Two researchers independently read the transcripts to identify initial codes.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim
  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

    Study design and conductown data

    The research project was approved by the Swinburne University Human Research Ethics Committee.

    “This research project was approved by the Swinburne University Human Research Ethics Committee (SUHREC)”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim
  • May combine two claims.

    Interpretationown data

    The 100:80:100 model, if management-led and employee-driven, can lead to improvements in work-life balance and support burnout reduction.

    “the 100:80:100 model is a form of work arrangement that, if management-led and employee-driven, can lead to improvements in work-life balance and support burnout reduction.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim
    • Rests on an assumption: The leaders interviewed were the best-qualified individuals to provide accurate insights into the 100:80:100 model's implementation and effects.
    • Rests on an assumption: The leaders' self-reports on the impact of the 100:80:100 model on their own work-life balance are accurate.
    • Rests on an assumption: The themes identified from the interviews reflect actual patterns of experience across the organisations, not just the leaders' perceptions.
  • May combine two claims.

    Interpretationown data

    Successful adoption of the 100:80:100 model requires clear motivations for change, adequate planning and training, and established measures for evaluating both short-term and long-term success.

    “successful adoption requires clear motivations for change, adequate planning and training, and established measures for evaluating both short-term and long-term success.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim
    • Rests on an assumption: The leaders interviewed were the best-qualified individuals to provide accurate insights into the 100:80:100 model's implementation and effects.
    • Rests on an assumption: The themes identified from the interviews reflect actual patterns of experience across the organisations, not just the leaders' perceptions.
  • May combine two claims.

    Interpretationown data

    The managers exhibited transformational leadership by encouraging employee involvement through open-mindedness to change, high communication/training, and adaptability.

    “a feature of the transformational leadership exhibited by the managers is they encouraged employee involvement by their open-mindedness to change, a high volume of communication/training, and adaptability”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim
  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

    Premisecitation

    Performance measurement is closely related to Bass's (1985) addition of two transactional leadership components: contingent rewards and management-by-exception.

    “performance measurement is closely related to Bass' (1985) addition of two transactional leadership components to transformational leadership: contingent rewards and management-by-exception.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites Bass, 1985

      Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing). May combine two claims.

    Interpretationreasoning

    The transformational leadership lens shows how work teams were motivated to reach new levels of productivity, while servant leadership emphasizes building resilience, trust, and long-term loyalty.

    “the transformational leadership lens enables us to see how the work teams were motivated to reach new levels of productivity, while servant leadership emphasizes the importance of building resilience, trust, and long-term loyalty.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim
  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing). May combine two claims.

    Study design and conductcitation

    The coding used an inductive method with no pre-given codes and constant comparison.

    “That coding used the inductive method, with no pre-given codes (Campbell et al., 2013), with constant comparison of codes as initial coding proceeded.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites Campbell et al., 2013 source
  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

    Interpretationcitation

    The themes from Jahal et al. overlap with many themes described in this study.

    “these themes overlap with many of the themes described here”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim
  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S2 (checkable), S3 (load-bearing), S4 (based).

    Interpretationreasoning

    The potential for organisations to adopt a 100:80:100 model is a significant shift from the current conventions of an ordinary work week.

    “the potential for organisations to adopt a 100:80:100 model is a significant shift from the current conventions of an ordinary work week.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim
  • Classified as probably not a substantial claim. May combine two claims.

    Interpretationreasoning

    The 100:80:100 model aims to maintain existing performance levels despite a significant overall reduction in work hours, indicating it is sufficiently different to warrant specific investigation.

    “the fact the 100:80:100 model aims to maintain existing performance levels despite a significant overall reduction in work hours, indicates it is sufficiently different to warrant specific investigation.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim
  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S4 (based).

    Interpretationnone given

    Some employees could be deterred by the work intensification that may be required for successful implementation.

    “some employees could be deterred by the work intensification that may be required for successful implementation.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim
  • May combine two claims.

    Interpretationown data

    The 100:80:100 model was associated with enhanced productivity, improved work-life balance, use as a recruitment/retention tool, and ability to accommodate diverse schedules.

    “identified enhanced productivity (SDG8), improved work/life balance (SDG3), the ability to be able to use the 100:80:100 model as a recruitment/retention tool, and the capability to accommodate diverse schedules”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim
    • Rests on an assumption: The self-reported productivity measures used by participating firms are valid and comparable enough to support conclusions about productivity changes.
    • Rests on an assumption: The 100:80:100 model was implemented consistently enough across organisations to allow thematic comparison.
    • Rests on an assumption: The themes identified from interviews are representative of the organisations' experiences.
  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

    Study design and conductnone given

    All participants were required to provide written consent before taking part in the interviews.

    “All participants were required to provide written consent before taking part in the interviews.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim
  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing). May combine two claims.

    Premisecitation

    Powell and Greenhaus's (2010) study found that segmentation enactment had the benefits of reducing work-to-family conflict and positive work-to-family spillover.

    “Powell and Greenhaus's (2010) pre-Covid study which found that segmentation enactment (such as in this case with the 4DWW) had the benefits of reducing both work-to-family conflict and positive work-to-family spillover.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites Powell and Greenhaus, 2010 source
  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S2 (checkable), S3 (load-bearing), S4 (based). May combine two claims.

    Interpretationnone given

    Cultural differences and differences in workplace norms, regulations and laws may impinge upon the viability of the 100:80:100 model, and studies from other nations are needed to confirm applicability of Australian findings elsewhere.

    “it is possible that cultural differences and differences in workplace norms, regulations and laws also impinge upon the viability of the 100:80:100 model, and academic studies from other nations/continents are needed to confirm whether these Australian findings are applicable elsewhere.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim
  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S2 (checkable), S4 (based).

    Interpretationnone given

    The combination of border theory, boundary theory, and a blend of transformational and servant leadership theories provides a multi-theoretical lens for understanding how leadership and boundary management shape the success of radical work redesigns such as the 100:80:100 model.

    “the combination of border theory (how individuals manage work-life boundaries), boundary theory (how roles and domains interact), and a blend of two complementary leadership theories (transformational and servant) provides a multi-theoretical lens for understanding how leadership and boundary management shape the success of radical work redesigns such as this.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim
  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

    Premisecitation

    The first academic study of the compressed week was in 1971.

    “First academic study = 1971”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites Hedges, 1971

      Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S2 (checkable), S4 (based). May combine two claims.

    Interpretationnone given

    The 100:80:100 model introduces a new conceptual framing of worktime reduction that is not merely about the compression of existing work hours, and challenges traditional assumptions about time-productivity equivalence.

    “a model which introduces a new conceptual framing of worktime reduction that is not merely about the compression of existing work hours, and challenges traditional assumptions about timeproductivity equivalence.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim
    • Rests on an assumption: Studies into the 100:80:100 model involving multiple cases are currently lacking.
  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S2 (checkable).

    Interpretationown data

    The qualitative, inductive approach adopted by this research demonstrates the value of qualitative bottom-up inquiry methods for uncovering deep, context-sensitive insights into organisational change.

    “the qualitative, inductive approach adopted by this research demonstrates the value of qualitative 'bottom-up' inquiry methods, for successfully uncovering deep, context-sensitive insights into organisational change.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim
  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

    Premisecitation

    Tech leaders are encouraging trials of the 100:80:100 model as a mechanism for supporting an equitable and sustainable transition to an AI future.

    “tech leaders are encouraging trials of the 100:80:100 model as one possible mechanism for supporting an equitable and sustainable transition to an 'artificial intelligence (AI) future' (McMahon, 2026).”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites McMahon, 2026

      Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.

  • May combine two claims.

    Study design and conductcitation

    Participants were key decision makers behind the idea to trial the 100:80:100 model, and their responses are potentially open to attribution bias and self-serving bias.

    “participants in this study were also key decision makers behind the idea to trial the 100:80:100 model, and their responses are potentially open to attribution bias and self-serving bias (Miller, 1976)”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites Miller, 1976 source
  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S4 (based).

    Premisenone given

    Evidence on levels of productivity being maintained in the 100:80:100 model seems more anecdotal in nature.

    “evidence on levels of productivity being maintained in the 100:80:100 model seems more anecdotal in nature.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim
  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing). May combine two claims.

    Study design and conductnone given

    The study's limitations include that the 100:80:100 model is relatively new and the research population is small.

    “Limitations of this study largely relate to the fact the 100:80:100 is still relatively new, and the entire research population being small”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim
  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing). May combine two claims.

    Study design and conductnone given

    The study was approved by the Swinburne University Human Research Ethics Committee (SUHREC), in line with the Australian National Statement on Ethical Conduct in Human Research (Project ID 2983), and all research was conducted in accordance with the relevant guidelines and regulations.

    “was approved by the Swinburne University Human Research Ethics Committee (SUHREC), in line with the Australian National Statement on Ethical Conduct in Human Research (Project ID 2983), and all research was conducted in accordance with the relevant guidelines and regulations.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim
  • May combine two claims.

    Study design and conductown data

    The study includes new findings from interviews with 15 organisations that had already trialled and in most cases adopted the 100:80:100 model.

    “This paper includes new findings from interviews with n=15 organisations who have already trialled -and in most cases adopted -this form of 4-day week”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim
  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

    Study design and conductown data

    A strength of this study is the breadth gained from including participants from a variety of organisations, industries, and occupational backgrounds.

    “A strength of this study is the breadth that is gained from including participants from a variety of organisations and from different industries and occupational backgrounds.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim
  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

    Premisecitation

    Worktime reduction is not a new phenomenon.

    “worktime reduction is not a new phenomenon”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites De Spiegelaere & Piasna, 2017

      Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing). May combine two claims.

    Study design and conductown data

    Six participant organisations took part in trials conducted by 4-Day Week Global, and the remaining nine designed and conducted their own in-house trials.

    “Six of the participant organisations took part in trials conducted by 4-Day Week Global, whist the remaining n=9 firms designed and conducted their own in-house trials.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim
  • May combine two claims.

    Interpretationreasoning

    The 100:80:100 model minimises work intensification and keeps boundary permeability across the four remaining workdays low, less intrusive than the compressed week and more comparable with standard 5-day workdays, with the advantage of an additional day off.

    “This ensures work intensification is minimised and boundary permeability across the four remaining workdays remains low, less intrusive than the compressed week and more comparable with standard 5-day workdays, but with the advantage of an additional day off”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim
  • May combine two claims.

    Study design and conductreasoning

    There is variability in workloads and schedules of participants, and comparisons between groups cannot be made using the current methodology.

    “we also recognise that there is variability in the workloads and schedules of the participants in this study, and that comparisons between groups cannot be made using the current methodology.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim
  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing). May combine two claims.

    Study design and conductown data

    Each firm defined productivity differently, but in each case it involved direct pre- and post-implementation comparisons of the same measures.

    “Each firm defined 'productivity' differently, depending on the nature of the business and roles of their employees, but in each case, it involved direct pre-and post-implementation comparisons of the same measures.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim
    • Rests on an assumption: The self-reported productivity measures used by participating firms are valid and comparable enough to support conclusions about productivity changes.
  • May combine two claims.

    Interpretationown data

    Senior leaders played an important role in supporting and initiating the 4DWW, and both leaders and a reduced workweek policy enabled people to transition more easily between work and nonwork.

    “senior leaders played an important role in supporting and initiating the 4DWW and thus both leaders (people) and a reduced workweek policy (temporal border) played an important role in enabling people to transition more easily between work and nonwork.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim
71 of 71
  • The paper relies on this without support.

    The leaders interviewed were the best-qualified individuals to provide accurate insights into the 100:80:100 model's implementation and effects.

    “We were specifically interested in the role of leaders in implementing the 100:80:100 model and as key figures in organisations they were the best-qualified individuals to offer accurate insights on the entire life cycle of the 100:80:100 trials/implementations”
  • The paper relies on this without support.

    The leaders' self-reports on the impact of the 100:80:100 model on their own work-life balance are accurate.

    “these leaders are also employees themselves and were able to self-report on the impact of the move to the 100:80:100 model on their own worklife balance.”
  • The paper relies on this without support.

    The participating organisations implemented the 100:80:100 model as defined (100% pay, 80% hours, 100% productivity commitment).

    “organisations had to have completed a formal 100:80:100 pilot/trial”
  • The paper relies on this without support.

    The themes identified from the interviews reflect actual patterns of experience across the organisations, not just the leaders' perceptions.

    “Ten major themes were identified from the interview data which illustrate the 100:80:100 model is a form of work arrangement that”
  • The paper relies on this without support.

    The 100:80:100 model's effects on productivity can be adequately assessed through leaders' reports.

    “a 25% increase in hourly productivity was not required to maintain previous performance levels”
  • The paper relies on this without support.

    The self-reported productivity measures used by participating firms are valid and comparable enough to support conclusions about productivity changes.

    “Each firm defined 'productivity' differently, depending on the nature of the business and roles of their employees, but in each case, it involved direct pre-and post-implementation comparisons of the same measures.”
  • The paper relies on this without support.

    The leaders' reports about employee experiences and preferences accurately reflect those of employees.

    “the leaders participating in our study believe their employees prefer a form of flexible work arrangement that provides a strong boundary between work and home (Clark, 2000).”
  • The paper relies on this without support.

    The 100:80:100 model was implemented consistently enough across organisations to allow thematic comparison.

    “common themes emerging from the interview data, demonstrating consistency in findings irrespective of the firm or industry.”
  • The paper relies on this without support.

    The themes identified from interviews are representative of the organisations' experiences.

    “Overall, ten major themes and three minor themes emerged from this study into the 100:80:100 model”
  • The paper relies on this without support.

    Studies into the 100:80:100 model involving multiple cases are currently lacking.

    “studies into the 100:80:100 model involving multiple cases are currently lacking.”
  • The paper relies on this without support.

    First-hand lived experiences from those experimenting directly with the 100:80:100 model are lacking from the current body of academic literature.

    “insights on first-hand lived experiences from those experimenting directly with the 100:80:100 model are lacking from the current body of academic literature.”
11 of 11

Self-check

Percentages, sums and reported differences re-computed from the paper’s own numbers.

Each contradiction between two passages listed here was confirmed by an independent check.

  • Organisation 7 had no formal trial despite the eligibility requirement

    Minor

    The methods say every eligible organisation had to have completed a formal pilot or trial, but Table 2 lists Organisation 7 as having had no formal trial.

  • Organisation 15's stated operating period exceeds the time available

    Minor

    Table 2 dates Organisation 15's trial to January 2018 and its interview to November 2024, an interval of about 6 years and 10 months-not 7 years and 9 months. Counting from its July 2018 adoption date would make the interval shorter still.

  • Organisation 14's trial was still ongoing when interviewed

    Minor

    The eligibility requirement calls for a completed formal trial. Table 2 instead shows Organisation 14's 12-month trial, begun in April 2024, as ongoing at its November 2024 interview.

  • Organisation 15's trial start differs between text and table

    Minor

    The narrative dates Organisation 15's trial to July 2018. Table 2 dates the trial to January 2018 and identifies July 2018 as its adoption date.

  • Organisation 14's trial start year differs between text and table

    Minor

    The narrative says Organisation 14 commenced its trial in April 2023; Table 2 gives April 2024.

5 of 5

Cites

Flagged first, then by citations

26 of the 79 references couldn’t be matched to a known paper.

Authors
Hopkins, J., Bardoel, E. A., & Djurkovic, N.
Affiliations
  • Deakin University (AU)
  • Swinburne University of Technology (AU)
Corresponding author
Hopkins, John
Venue
Humanities and Social Sciences Communications
Published
2026-05-13
Volume
13
Issue
1
ISSN
  • 2055-1045 (ISSN-L)
  • 2662-9992
OpenAlex
W7161038052
Cited by
2
References
79
Citations by year
2026: 2
FWCI
28.16
Type
journal article
Language
en
Open access
Locations
  • Humanities and Social Sciences Communications (publishedVersion, cc-by-nc-nd)
  • DOAJ (DOAJ: Directory of Open Access Journals) (submittedVersion)
  • Deakin Research Online (Deakin University)
Topics
  • Social Sciences › Sociology and Political Science › Work-Family Balance Challenges
  • Health Sciences › Health Professions › General Health Professions › Workplace Health and Well-being
  • Social Sciences › Human Factors and Ergonomics › Employee Performance and Management
Keywords
four-day work week, flexible work arrangements, work-life balance, burnout, working time reduction, boundary permeability, transformational leadership, labor productivity

About these checks

Registry, retraction, Cites and statistics results are computed, not judged, with one exception: a printed reference that no index lists is read once by a model before it counts as a citation error. Claims are extracted by a model and kept only when their quote appears verbatim in the text; each cited source is then checked, with a model’s help, for whether it says what the claim relies on. Those verdicts can be wrong — read the claim’s quote and the cited source before relying on one.

Claims read by deepseek-v4.1-flash under definition version 3 (extract-v3) on 2026-10-06.

Classified by jev-1.13-20260917 (gold-guideline-v0.2) on 2026-10-06.

Cited sources are checked by gpt-6-sol.

Statistics and arithmetic are recomputed, not judged.

Confidence bands are shown only for fields calibrated on our annotated test set. None is calibrated yet, so no band is shown.

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