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The 9-to-5 day could be a thing of the past as workers start clocking on at different times to ease peak-hour gridlock, save on petrol and boost work–life balance.
Jun 25,2025
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.
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.
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.
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.
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:
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.
With the rise of remote, hybrid, and staggered work schedules, professionals need strong self-management skills to thrive. Key capabilities include:
Want to build these skills? Explore our online business and productivity courses designed for the modern workplace.
Helen Isbister brings practical career tips, study advice, and professional insights to Career FAQs readers.