You’ve heard of the four-day work week, but what about the four-and-a-half-day work week? That’s the proposal being put forward by non-alcoholic brewer Heaps Normal, which is calling for a half-day on March 1 in the name of employee wellbeing.
Heaps Normal has unveiled a full-on marketing blitz to push the idea, saying it is incumbent on bosses to give their workforce a reprieve.
Cost of living concerns, back-to-office pledges, and the spectre of big business profitability are all weighing on Australian workers, Heaps Normal says.
A petition backing the measure currently has 115 signatures.
Additionally, a boilerplate letter offered to employees reads:
If you need me during my brief hiatus, I’ll be the one juggling grocery bags and attempting to conquer my never-ending to-do list. I’ll be accessible via carrier pigeon, smoke signals, and, of course, email.
Your understanding of this quest for a half day off is greatly appreciated. If you need a postcard, I’ll see what I can do.
The brand further committed to the bit by providing a 20-point checklist for workers hoping to advocate for a half-day in their workplace.
Workers can argue their point by claiming they will use their half-day off work to volunteer, use yoga as self-care, or simply go for a picnic.
It has also compiled a template businesses can use to contact their local MP, advocating for half-day Fridays to become an annual occurrence (if your business actually contacts an elected representative to argue this point, please contact SmartCompany directly).
“Your endorsement and advocacy for National Half Day Day would go a long way in promoting the well-being of our constituents and fostering a positive work environment,” that draft reads.
Perhaps most notably for Australia’s parched workplaces, it is also offering free beer to businesses that take part in the campaign.
Free tinnies will also be offered to commuters travelling through the following locations:
● Sydney: South Bondi Beach; Newtown Station and The Hub Newtown; Pitt Street Mall
● Melbourne: Swan Street, Richmond, near Hoddle Street; Collins Square Courtyard, near Southern Cross
● Canberra: Marcus Clark Street CBD – Marcus Clark Street
● Brisbane: Grey Street Southbank, near South BNE Train Station; Queen Street Mall.
It’s a light-hearted spin on an issue with very real supporters.
Last year, a bipartisan Senate report advocated for a four-day workweek trial to roll out across Australia.
More recently, the latest tranche of industrial relations reforms cemented a right to disconnect; while this right won’t cut down workers’ time on the clock, it is intended to give workers the right to defend their time off the clock.
You can read more about Heaps Normal’s campaign, and yes, its new beer, here.
Senior Business Journalist
Focused on the small business sector, David’s work covers the political, regulatory, and economic issues facing Australian entrepreneurs. Prior to joining SmartCompany, he was a reporter for Business Insider Australia. You can follow him on LinkedIn.
