The Australian Council of Trade Unions (ACTU) is backing a trial for a four-day work week with full pay, declaring the policy a winner for employees and the economy.

Speaking at the National Press Club in Canberra, ACTU president Michele O’Neil described the push as a “great idea” that would bring balance back to the lives of workers struggling to switch off, while boosting productivity and employee retention.

“Eight hours’ rest, eight hours’ work, eight hours’ play was there for a good reason, but … we have moved away from that, and we see extraordinary high levels of people working long hours that they’re not always paid for,” she said.

“We should, in a country like this one, be able to have another look at this and say how do we get it right.”

Ms O’Neil pointed to the results from similar trials elsewhere in the world which yielded promising results.

“I’m not saying we know how to do it, or this should all happen overnight, but I really welcome the idea (of) more trials,” she said.

“Work is important, but so is the rest of your life.”

Oxfam Australia recently announced a six-month trial of a four-day week for permanent full-time employees.

And a Senate work and care committee report released earlier this month supported the measure as a way to boost quality of life for people.

The Labor and Greens led inquiry recommended the federal government launch a trial where employee hours are reduced to 80 per cent, while maintaining full pay and productivity.

-AAP