Four-Day Week and the Future of SMME Development in South Africa

Last week saw the “soft launch” of Level 5 Academy, a university of entrepreneurs by entrepreneurs. Having personally been involved with several accelerator and incubator programmes over the years, I always had it in my mind to redesign the formula. Having recently graduated from the Standard Bank Western Cape Accelerator Programme, I finally got the opportunity to do so. The solution was always going to be for those who think differently, do the most for the South African economy, but receive the least amount of support.

Having seen it go wrong enough times, my focus over the years, has gradually shifted to the individual. Rest is an important part of building something new or maintaining something that is already in existence. This is where a four-day week comes in, as it has proven to successfully marry the passion we have for our work with the same passion we can commit towards life.

I would argue that only by working one day less can we truly seek to achieve that fabled work-life balance.

While Level 5 Academy flips the script on existing interventions, the four-day week also allows us an opportunity to debate the traditional five-day workweek. If people who do not understand the hardships of being an entrepreneur are left in charge of programmes for entrepreneurs, then it is the same as saying it makes sense to work five days and only be off for two. The four-day day week is not a magic bullet, but it is a start in the right direction. The reduced workweek revolution is upon us, whether we wish to admit it or not.

I am grateful for all the support I’ve received in finally making this mad decision to build something different. While we wait for the right interventions and for those kindred spirits to empathise with our plight, we may as well begin building the solution we seek ourselves. It’s time we put the five-day week to bed, as it has served its purpose for about 100 years. What will the next 100 years look like for the entrepreneurs and businesses of the future?

Tags

4 Day Week SA, INFJ, 4 Day Week, Future of Work, Work Time Reduction, Reduced Workweek Revolution, Wellbeing in the Workplace

David-John Wayne Bailey is an INFJ from Cape Town, a proud pioneer pilot participant of 4 Day Week SA and an advocate of a four-day week for everyone working in South Africa.