Working a 4-day week in Australia? Understand your hours distribution, penalty rates, rostering rights, and entitlements.
Last verified: 21 May 2026A 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.
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.
With a standard Monday-to-Friday pattern, penalty rates typically do not apply to ordinary hours.
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.
With a Monday–Friday pattern, penalty rates generally don't apply to ordinary hours. Penalties apply for work on Saturdays, Sundays, and public holidays.
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.
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).
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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