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# Is anyone still working long hours?
- URL: https://www.benchmarkanalytics.com.au/is-anyone-still-working-long-hours/
- Published: 2026-09-24T01:46:08.000Z
- Updated: 2026-09-24T01:46:08.000Z
- Author: Nick Hossack

Australia's latest labour force figures show unemployment rising to 4.6%. But behind the monthly figures is a structural change in how Australians work: the long working week is becoming increasingly uncommon.

In August, employment increased by 39,500 people. Full-time employment fell by 6,300, while part-time employment rose by 45,800\. One month's figures can be volatile, particularly following recent changes to the ABS survey. The longer-term picture is more revealing.

Using 12-month averages, Australia's employed population increased from 8.28 million in 1996 to 14.72 million in 2026\. Yet the number actually working 50 hours or more a week barely changed, rising from 1.45 million to 1.50 million.

Their share of employment fell from 17.6% to just 10.2%. The proportion working at least 40 hours also declined, from 44.1% to 33.2%.

Average weekly hours actually worked fell from 34.1 to 31.4 per employed person.

Part-time employment explains some of this change. Its share of total employment increased from 24.5% to 31.1%. But working patterns within both groups have also changed. Average monthly hours among full-time workers declined from approximately 176 to 163, while those of part-time workers increased from 66 to 76.

Shorter working weeks are not necessarily evidence of economic weakness. Many Australians prefer flexible arrangements, while others would welcome additional hours. August's underemployment rate was 6.2%.

The economic distinction is between employment and actual labour input. Over the year to August, trend employment grew 1.6%, but hours worked increased only 1.0%.

Australia has considerably more workers than three decades ago. Each, on average, is working fewer hours. Understanding labour supply requires measuring both.

Source: ABS, Labour Force, Australia, August 2026, Tables 001, 017 and 018\. Historical comparisons use 12-month averages ending August.

| Australia's changing working week 1996 versus 2026 \| 12-month averages to August                                                                                                                         |                                                       |
| --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- | ----------------------------------------------------- |
| Growth in employment +78% 6.44 million additional workers                                                                                                                                                 | Growth in 50+ hour workers +3% Only about 46,000 more |
| Measure 1996 2026 Employed people 8.28m 14.72m Working 50+ hours 1.45m 1.50m Share working 50+ hours 17.6% 10.2% Share working 40+ hours 44.1% 33.2% Average actual weekly hours 34.1 31.4                |                                                       |
| Source: ABS Labour Force, Australia, Table 018\. Original estimates, 12-month averages ending August. Hours refer to actual work in the survey reference week, not contracted hours. All figures rounded. |                                                       |