Companies sign up as SA launches four-day work week

Companies that will give the four-day work week a bash in South Africa from February have started signing up and some are even suggesting what people can do with their extra day off. The 4-Day Week SA Pioneer Pilot is the country’s first trial.

Companies can still sign up for the pioneer pilot until 15 January. They will complete a two-week intensive on boarding to get ready.

A second pilot is planned to start next May

Karen Lowe, director of 4-Day Week SA, says: “Smaller companies and those in the professional services sector are generally the early trialists of a four-day week, because it is easier for them to make big changes, but we help companies of all sizes across different industry sectors to take a carefully imagined approach to adopting this new way of working.”

She says the organisation is recruiting for the second pilot with sign up closing on 28 February.

Lowe says pilot participants will test out a new way of working, recognised as a way to support and empower workers, enhance organisational productivity and have a positive impact on societies and the environment.

It is based on the 100-80-100 model which prescribes 100% of the pay, 80% of the time, in exchange for a commitment to delivering 100% of the output. They will be supported by 4-Day Week Global, the experts running trials all over the world.

Research findings from trials across the globe make a clear case for the four-day week.

Lowe says this is illustrated by the fact that midway through the current trial in the UK, most participating companies say they have had no loss of productivity and a significant improvement in some cases.

This is why companies decided to participate

▶ “Trialling the four-day week and the data behind it is something every leader needs to seriously consider in their business. A reduction in working hours has been proven to increase business productivity, improve employee health outcomes, while working towards building a more sustainable working environment. This offers people the time and solitude to simultaneously build stronger families and communities, while remaining fulfilled and successful at work.” – Adam Craker, CEO of IQBusiness

▶ “As a world-class insights consultancy, we are committed to contribute to a healthy and flourishing environment. We understand that modern day pressures and changing value systems require a rethink of traditional approaches to work and work-life balance. Innovating to be better is in our genes. We are excited to be in a position to take advantage of the opportunity to learn from the wealth of learning and experience that this pilot will offer.” – Jenni Pennacchini, director: business solutions at KLA

▶ “As part of a personal 2022 mission to be more organised, structured and consistent, I happened upon the pilot programme. In chasing after the Big Beard Web Solutions ‘why’, the main motivation is to adopt a people-focused approach in answer to our most pressing challenges.” – Nathan L Simons, founder and managing director at Big Beard Web Solutions

▶ “At Semco Style Institute we believe that in devolving power to employees, we are able to create wiser companies that are simultaneously more productive and have a happier workforce. We believe that the 4-Day Week plays a vital role in the creation of productive and rewarding working environments.” – Christiaan Grové, partner and co-founder Semco Style.

▶ “We joined the 4-Day Week in the hope that we can improve the overall wellness of our staff. People are the most important part of our business and if we do not have happy people, we do not have happy clients.” – Willie van Dyk, CEO at Valuesmart Business Solutions.