Australia was once seen as the land of the long weekend, pioneering the 40-hour work week. But today, that legacy feels like a distant memory.

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According to the most recently available Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) data, Australia ranks poorly globally for work-life balance.

Australians are working long hours, with more than one in 10 people clocking 50 or more hours a week in their main job.

We were ranked 27 out of 37 OECD countries in 2024 - worse than Canada and the United Kingdom.

We also trail behind similar countries in leisure time and paid leave. Australia ranks 21st out of 30 countries for average leisure time per day, below New Zealand and barely ahead of the United States. On statutory paid annual leave, we are equal 13th out of 42 countries, outperforming only nine including the United States.

No wonder at the last federal election, issues like the right to disconnect and working from home struck a chord with voters. Australians are clearly craving better work-life balance but they are not getting what they need.

While the idea of a four-day work week is gaining traction and some trade........

© Canberra Times