'Cultural change is one of the key ways to address acute skills shortages'
In a significant development for the construction sector, pilot projects conducted under a new draft Culture Standard have shown strong support for a five-day work week, heralding it as a potential "game-changer" for the industry's culture and productivity.
Led by the Construction Industry Culture Taskforce (CICT), in collaboration with the governments of NSW and Victoria along with the Australian Constructors Association, the pilot projects aimed to address excessive work hours and foster positive cultural shifts within the infrastructure construction sector.
According to the interim report released by RMIT University, which led the studies, findings from five pilot infrastructure projects revealed that a five-day work week garnered significant favor among workers, with 84% of salaried respondents and 61% of waged respondents expressing a preference for this schedule.
This preference contrasts with the current industry norm of longer working hours, where 64% of workers exceed 50 hours per week and Saturday work is routine.
"Cultural change in the industry is one of the key ways to address the acute skills shortage that has led to escalating labor costs and stagnant productivity," emphasized Gabrielle Trainor AO, chair of the CICT and interim chief commissioner of Infrastructure Australia.
The report highlighted the adverse impact of excessive working hours on workers' well-being and productivity, underscoring the need for a shift towards a more balanced work-life schedule. Despite initial concerns about productivity and pay impacts, feedback from pilot project participants indicated minimal adverse effects, said the CICT.
Greg Anderson, Seymour Whyte Alliance Manager in New South Wales, cited positive outcomes on the Mulgoa Road Upgrade Project Stage 1, where productivity remained unaffected by the transition to a five-day work week. Anderson noted that the move led to a better-rested, healthier, and more satisfied workforce, resulting in productivity improvements across the week.
While some construction workers initially expressed concerns about potential pay impacts, feedback from the implementation of the draft Culture Standard revealed that the benefits of spending more time with family and friends outweighed any minimal reductions in earnings, said the CICT.
Australian Constructors Association CEO Jon Davies stressed the importance of balancing the need to limit working hours with maintaining project flexibility to meet operational requirements.
"Addressing working hours in isolation from wellbeing and gender diversity won’t yield the desired cultural transformation and outcomes," Davies remarked, highlighting the interconnectedness of working hours, wellbeing, and gender diversity.
With the finalization of the pilot studies expected later this year, stakeholders are hopeful for broader adoption of the standard in procurement, marking a significant step towards a more balanced and sustainable construction workforce, said the CICT.
