4-Day Work Week — Hours, Penalties & Your Rights
Working a 4-day week in Australia? Understand your hours distribution, penalty rates, rostering rights, and entitlements.
Last verified: 2 August 2026Quick Answer
A 4-day work week at the standard 7.6 hours per day gives you 30.4 hours per week. This is 80% of a full-time load — you are classified as part-time with pro-rata entitlements.
Standard Hours Distribution
Days Per Week
4
Hours Per Day
7.6
Total Weekly Hours
30.4
A compressed 4-day work week (4 x 9.5 hours = 38 hours) is an alternative arrangement that gives you a full-time load in fewer days.
Penalty Rates
With a standard Monday-to-Friday pattern, penalty rates typically do not apply to ordinary hours.
Rostering Rights
- •Most awards provide for ordinary hours to be worked Monday to Friday.
- •A 4-day work week at 7.6 hours per day totals 30.4 hours — below the 38-hour full-time standard (part-time).
- •Compressed work weeks (e.g. 4 x 9.5 hours) are increasingly common and may be available under flexible work arrangements (s65 Fair Work Act).
- •Working 4 days at 7.6 hours (30.4 hours/week) is classified as part-time. You receive pro-rata leave and entitlements.
Related Tools
- Penalty Rate Calculator — Calculate penalty rates for weekends and public holidays
- Overtime Calculator — Calculate overtime pay at time-and-a-half or double-time
- Shift Cost Calculator — Calculate the total cost of a shift
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a 4-day work week standard in Australia?
A 4-day work week is becoming more common but is not yet standard. It typically requires a formal flexible work arrangement or compressed hours agreement.
What are the penalty rates for working 4 days a week?
With a Monday–Friday pattern, penalty rates generally don't apply to ordinary hours. Penalties apply for work on Saturdays, Sundays, and public holidays.
How many hours per day on a 4-day week?
To reach the standard 38-hour full-time week in 4 days, you would work 9.5 hours per day. This means 9.5-hour days, sometimes called a compressed work week.
Can my employer make me work 4 days a week?
Your employer can only require you to work the days agreed in your contract and consistent with your award. Changes to your regular roster require consultation and reasonable notice (usually 7 days).
Am I entitled to a day off each week?
Most Modern Awards require at least one rostered day off per week, and many require two consecutive days off. If you are required to work on your rostered day off, penalty rates or overtime rates generally apply.
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General information and estimates only — not legal, financial or tax advice. Always check your specific award, agreement or contract, or a qualified professional, before you rely on the result.
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