Kevin O’Leary Critiques the Four-Day Work Week Trend
Renowned Canadian entrepreneur Kevin O’Leary has vigorously dismissed the rising trend of four-day work weeks, deeming it the "stupidest idea" he has ever encountered. The concept of shortened work weeks is becoming increasingly popular globally, with Australian firms like Medibank and Bunnings exploring this innovative approach.
O’Leary’s Perspective
O’Leary, a prominent investor known for his role on Shark Tank, shared his thoughts during a recent interview on Fox News, particularly in response to the popularity of the four-day work week in France. He remarked, “That’s the stupidest idea I have ever heard. I think we should let the French go to a two-day work week and then kick their ass internationally.”
France has previously announced plans to trial four-day working weeks specifically for parents sharing custody, building on its earlier adoption of a 35-hour work week in 2000. Currently, about 10,000 workers in France are engaged in four-day work arrangements.
Critiques of Workweek Norms
O’Leary, who has previously expressed concerns regarding Australia’s right to disconnect laws, is strongly against adopting such changes. He further commented, “There is no such thing as a work week anymore anyways in a digital economy post-pandemic,” highlighting the transformation in work dynamics.
Emphasising flexibility, he explained, “I look at my staff—40 per cent of them work remotely, all around the world. It’s project-based. Can you get it done by the 15th of June? Yes, I can. I don’t care when you do it—four-day, three-day, five-day.”
His statements have ignited a debate online, with reactions divided. Some concurred with O’Leary, arguing that productivity should take precedence over rigid workweek structures. “It’s not about days or weeks anymore. It probably never was. It’s about productivity in whatever period of time the business decides,” noted one commenter.
Conversely, others championed the benefits of a four-day work week, sharing positive personal experiences. One mentioned, “I have a four-day work week. I can’t express the difference in how much better my work week is given one extra day to decompress.” Another stated, “I have been running my company on a four-day work week for a few years now. I can’t imagine going back to a five-day week.”
The Rise of Four-Day Work Weeks in Australia
In Australia, the four-day work week is gaining traction, with major companies such as Medibank and Bunnings testing this model. Typically, firms that adopt this framework follow a 100:80:100 model, allowing employees to maintain 100 per cent of their salary while working 80 per cent of the usual hours, with the expectation of 100 per cent productivity.
Medibank is expanding its trial to include an additional 250 employees this October, bringing the total to 500 participants. Kylie Bishop, Medibank’s head of people and sustainability, highlighted the positive impact of this new model: “We’ve seen significant and sustained improvements in employee engagement, job satisfaction, and the health and wellbeing of participants, while maintaining business performance and customer outcomes.”
A recent Robert Half survey of 1,000 workers and 500 hiring managers revealed that 65 per cent of employees were in favour of a four-day work week, provided they retained their full salary. Further, a Senate Inquiry into Work and Care has recommended the government consider a nationwide trial of the four-day work week.
Conclusion
O’Leary’s outspoken disapproval has rekindled a critical discussion about work culture in a rapidly changing economic landscape. As companies continue to explore flexible working arrangements, the debate over traditional work norms versus modern productivity-focused approaches is set to intensify.
