For years companies have been following the lead of big-name businesses and working to create upbeat, fun workplaces for their employees in the name of productivity. Popularised by Google, office perks like climbing walls, nap pods, and even free food have become sought after in the workplace. Hailed with having an astounding effect on the mental health and efficiency of workers, many businesses aimed to replicate this success in their own offices.
In fact, just last week Canva’s Melbourne branch launched a new facility with free breakfasts and lunches, changing rooms for parents, and converted parking spaces into herb gardens. All in the name of office perks and ambience.
But can the offering of free food and workplace gardens compete with the rising call for a four-day workweek?
This month the Federal State Committee called for an official trial of the four-day workweek in the wake of the popularisation of such methods in the UK and Europe. This step towards the fundamental change of the traditional workweek seems to be more appealing to the employees of Australia. And as a result, climbing walls and nap ponds don’t seem to be cutting it anymore.
So, when faced with an official trial of the four-day workweek, will these office perks survive the test? We can only wait and see as the official trial may still be years away. But this major shift in how Australia works could change the essence of the workplace in a way that office perks were never able to do.