Last year was an immensely busy and successful year for MBIP. As we head into 2026, we don’t plan on slowing down; but we are rethinking how we work. As part of our ongoing commitment to our team and to sustainable performance, MBIP is pleased to announce the introduction of a four-day work week.
From 2026, eligible team members who work full-time and have been employed at MBIP for more than three years will have the option to transition to a four-day working week.
The purpose of the four-day week is simple but powerful: to support staff well-being while maintaining, and ideally enhancing, high levels of engagement, productivity and client service. By working efficiently and productively, our team will achieve the output and results traditionally delivered over five days within four days, through better systems, prioritisation, clearer focus and effective self-management.
To ensure continuity of service, team members will take their additional day off on different days across the week. This approach allows individuals to select a day that best suits their personal and professional commitments, while ensuring MBIP continues to operate at full capacity. Clients will continue to have consistent access to their advisors and the same high standard of responsiveness and service they expect from the firm.
This approach reflects a growing body of research suggesting that when people are well-rested and supported, they perform better. Organisational psychologist and Professor of Management and Psychology at the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania, Adam Grant, posed this question to a panel in 2022:
“Henry Ford found, a century ago, that people were more productive if they worked five days instead of six. This had an impact on morale, loyalty, and overall productivity. We have to ask though: Why are we stuck on five days? Is this, too, a human invention that deserves to be rethought?”
International studies and trials continue to demonstrate that reduced working hours can lead to improved focus, higher productivity, lower burnout and stronger retention – outcomes that MBIP wants to take advantage of.
Building on a Proven Foundation
This is not the first time MBIP has challenged traditional ways of working. In November 2018, we introduced a nine-day fortnight, well ahead of the widespread workplace changes prompted by the COVID-19 pandemic.
Since then, we have seen consistently positive impacts from this initiative, not only in terms of staff morale and well-being, but also productivity and overall performance. The success of the nine-day fortnight reinforced what we have long believed: flexible, people-centred workplaces are better workplaces.
When we first introduced the shorter fortnight, we knew we were doing something unique. Since then, flexible working arrangements have become more common across independent businesses and government organisations alike. As an independent firm, MBIP has the advantage of being able to adapt quickly and thoughtfully to design working arrangements that suit both our people and our clients.
Following the success of the nine-day fortnight, introducing a four-day work week was a natural next step in reassessing the traditional five-day model. Our people are what truly set MBIP apart. Looking after them isn’t just the right thing to do – it’s good business.
Jeremy Moller, Principal at MBIP, says:
“This initiative is about working smarter, not harder. When our people are supported and energised, they do their best work and that benefits both our team and our clients. We’ve always been willing to challenge traditional models, and the four-day week reflects our commitment to building a sustainable, high performing workplace.”
Early feedback from staff has been overwhelmingly positive, with team members excited at the prospect of improved work-life balance, increased focus during working hours, and greater flexibility to manage personal commitments alongside professional responsibilities.
“Having an extra day to recharge or manage life outside of work makes a real difference,” one team member commented.
The four-day work week also gives full-time employees the potential to spread their 20 days of annual leave over five weeks instead of four, creating further work-life balance opportunities.
Our People are Our Strength
It is well known that providing greater flexibility with a positive work environment leads to greater staff retention and better work outcomes. However, studies have also shown that if done right, a four-day work week can lead to productivity gains. Providing a four-day work week ensures that increased productivity not only benefits the firm but also benefits our staff. The implementation of the four-day week has been undertaken after much consideration and staff feedback to ensure that we can achieve high levels of productivity and excellence and provide ongoing benefits from such gains to our team members.
Continuing to Deliver for Our Clients
Importantly, MBIP’s continued growth and strong performance underpin this initiative. The firm has maintained its upward trajectory, with ongoing strength across patent and trade mark filings.
At MBIP, innovation doesn’t stop at intellectual property; it extends to how we work, support one another and build a sustainable future for our firm.
If you would like to enjoy the benefits of a progressive and positive work environment, please contact us at confidential@mbip.com.au.
