The 4 Day Week is being adopted, all over the world, in a bid to improve productivity and wellness in the workplace. Now South Africans can try it too.
Businesses have been invited to sign up for a 4-Day Week pilot initiative, kicking off in early 2023.
The 4 Day Week SA Coalition says the opportunity to explore the future of work, will encompass a coordinated 6-month trial with no loss in pay.
The trial will take place in Europe, running alongside similar pilot schemes taking place in the United Kingdom, Ireland, the United States, Canada, Australia and New Zealand.
The Coalition says from a time zone and language compatibility perspective, the fit is a natural one for South African companies.
The pilot is being coordinated by 4 Day Week Global in partnership with researchers at Boston College.
Participating companies will have unparalleled access to the expertise, tools and resources needed to run a smooth and successful trial.
Who should participate?
Forward-thinking South African companies who want to be pioneers in trialling a 4 Day Week, as a way of supporting and empowering workers, enhancing organisational productivity and having a positive impact on our society and the environment.
How will participants benefit?
The guidance of global experts
- Workshops: delivered by 4 Day Week Global, alongside think tank, Autonomy, and other organisations that have already successfully implemented a 4 Day Week. These include online webinars and resources to help with common challenges, pitfalls and misconceptions.
- Mentoring: from experts at 4 Day Week Global and Autonomy and from a network of accredited 4 Day Week organisations. Participants will be matched with mentors with appropriate experience to best support their unique situations.
- Networking: with other pilot participants and the benefits of a peer support network to share learnings and experiences.
- Research: by a team of world-class academics as part of a global research project. Researchers will work with participants to establish relevant productivity and worker wellbeing metrics and to define what individual success looks like. These metrics will be monitored throughout the trial, with a confidential impact assessment specific to each organisation produced after the trial, alongside a published report collating data from all participating companies and employees on an anonymous basis. Stellenbosch Business School is the local research partner for the pilot.
How will participants contribute?
Participation in the trial is donations based, with varying contributions dependent on the size of the organisation. Donations benefit 4 Day Week Global, a not-for-profit organisation, and support local research and communications efforts. A local non-profit Company has been registered to facilitate donations.
What is the timeline?
October 2022: Rollout of information sessions on the pilot programme
End October 2022: Deadline for signing up for the first phase of the pilot programme
November 2022: Preparation, training and onboarding sessions
January – February 2023: Establish baseline metrics for research and get the trial ready
February – July 2023: 6-month trial period
