Are you considering a 4-day work week for your business?

The Pros and cons of a four-day week in SA

The four-day work week, now being trialled in South Africa, could prove as disruptive or as beneficial as the introduction of weekends in the 19th century.

Since the COVID-19 lockdowns, when employees discovered how enjoyable a work-life balance could be, the four-day work week has gained traction. South African pilots end in September this year, but international trials were declared a ‘resounding success’.

I?foresee pros and cons for individuals and society as a whole:

For employees:

Pros:

• Improved work-life balance: More time for rest and personal activities could reduce stress and improve mental well-being.
• Increased job satisfaction: Perceived flexibility and autonomy and an additional day off could improve motivation, engagement and creativity.
• Reduced commute stress: Fewer commuting days, lower transportation costs and less commute-related stress could contribute to a healthier work-life experience.

Cons:

• Longer workdays: Cramming five days’ work into four could prove physically and mentally demanding. Fatigue and burnout could become a risk in jobs requiring high levels of concentration or physical labour.
• Family responsibilities: For those with caregiving responsibilities, longer workdays could create challenges.
• Impact on personal activities: The compressed work schedule could impact personal pursuits and hobbies after hours on workdays.?

The national interest:

Pros:

• Increased productivity: Advocates of a four-day work week argue that employees tend to be more focused, efficient and productive with fewer days to complete tasks.
• Reduced carbon footprint: Fewer workdays leads to reduced commuting, with a subsequent reduction in carbon emissions.?
• Employee well-being: A four-day work week may contribute to improved overall health and well-being of employees, which can reduce absenteeism and healthcare costs.

Cons:

• Workplace coordination: Companies may need to adopt flexible scheduling and more efficient communication strategies for smooth workflows and collaboration.
• Impact on operations: Maintaining continuous operations could become challenging in sectors that require round-the-clock services.
• Economic considerations: A four-day work week could impact overall economic output, with decreased production and slower economic growth, which in turn would affect employment rates and government revenues.

There is no doubt that the four-day work week offers a compelling alternative to ‘all work and no play’, and that flexibility in hours is a perk most employees wish for. This recent article and podcast on the Old Mutual hub provides some useful insights ?– Why a four-day work week is just a part of your EVP

If you’re considering ways to offer a better employee experience, feel free to reach out, and let’s have a discussion.