A council in rural NSW is to become the first local government to adopt a four-day week. Under the scheme, staff at Murrumbidgee Council – south-west of the state – will still be working a full week, but the hours will be compressed into four days instead of five. The trial is being held to assess whether a four-day week increases productivity and attracts staff. Under the proposed model, council offices, depots and libraries would be closed on Fridays. The trial follows consultation with council staff who voiced overwhelming support for a four-day week.