Working Smart – 14 Hour Working Day to Ease Commute

As Australian cities continue to grapple with traffic congestion, public transport strain, and shifting work patterns, the traditional 9-to-5 workday is under increasing scrutiny. In its place? A growing interest in staggered schedules—spreading work across longer operational windows to reduce peak-hour pressure and boost productivity.

One such concept is the “14-hour working city” model—an approach that could allow employees to clock in at different times throughout the day, helping reduce gridlock, save on commuting costs, and support better work–life balance.

What Is a 14-Hour Working City?

The concept proposes that businesses and public services operate across a 14-hour window, enabling early and late shifts with staggered start and finish times. Rather than all workers heading to the office between 8:00–9:00am, employees could work shifts starting anywhere between 6:00am and 8:00pm.

Potential benefits include:

• Less peak-hour congestion on roads and public transport
• Improved utilisation of infrastructure, including buildings, parking, and transit systems
• More flexibility for employees to manage caregiving or personal responsibilities
• Extended service hours for businesses and customers

This concept, first raised by urban strategist James Calder, was discussed at global city planning forums and is gaining relevance as Australian cities continue to explore post-pandemic hybrid work models.

Are Alternative Work Schedules Already Being Trialled?

Yes—and not just overseas. Across Australia and globally, governments and employers have experimented with flexible timetables to reduce office density and support employee wellbeing.

For example, the 4-day work week—where employees work 38 hours across four days—is being trialled in several Australian organisations. A 2023 pilot conducted by 4 Day Week Global in Australia and New Zealand found that participating companies reported improved productivity, reduced burnout, and better staff retention.

Other models being adopted include:

• Staggered shifts to ease transport pressure during peak hours
• Compressed workweeks (e.g. 4 x 10-hour days)
• Core hours models, allowing employees to choose start/end times around a set daily block
• Remote/hybrid work combinations with greater schedule autonomy

Does Working Longer Hours Equal Greater Efficiency?

While extending operating hours offers flexibility, there’s growing awareness that simply cramming more hours into fewer days doesn’t guarantee better output. Longer workdays can lead to:

• Decreased productivity due to fatigue
• Reduced employee morale or higher turnover if not managed carefully
• Limited benefit if saved commute or utility costs are offset by overwork or health issues

Ultimately, flexible work strategies work best when they are employee-informed and aligned with company goals. Employers must balance operational needs with staff wellbeing to achieve meaningful results.

Skills for the Future of Flexible Work

With the rise of remote, hybrid, and staggered work schedules, professionals need strong self-management skills to thrive. Key capabilities include:

• Time management and digital calendar skills
• Remote collaboration using digital tools (e.g. Teams, Slack, Notion)
• Project-based productivity rather than time-based performance
• Communication and transparency in asynchronous teams

Want to build these skills? Explore our online business and productivity courses designed for the modern workplace.