South African Companies Embrace 4-Day Week with 90% Approval

South ‌Africa has joined the growing movement of ​companies testing out the 4-day​ work ‌week, and the results ⁣are in ​- it’s a success! More‌ than 90% of participating companies and employees ​want to keep the reduced⁣ working hours with no⁤ change in pay, following a‌ global trend. But what sets South Africa apart is​ that very few workers ⁤actually⁣ want to⁢ take ⁢Fridays off.

Since the⁣ 4-day week test‌ began on 1 ⁤March 2023, 28 South African companies and⁣ one from Botswana have been participating, with most in the IT, finance, and recruitment sectors. The unique aspect of this study is that each employee was⁢ able to choose their own day off, leading to positive results for‌ both⁢ employees and companies.

After around six months, the first results are in, and they‌ mirror the positive outcomes seen ⁤in other countries. Employees reported‍ less stress, fewer sick days, and a greater ⁣enjoyment of going⁣ to work. The positive impact even extended to their home lives, as the reduced working⁢ hours reduced frustration and stress at home.

Participating companies are also satisfied, with productivity remaining the same or even increasing, and staff turnover⁤ decreasing. Around 92% ⁢of the ‍companies plan to keep the​ 4-day week, in line with other successful trials around the ⁣world.

This study is part of a series of global tests conducted by the non-profit organization “4 Day‌ Week Global,” with ​successful implementations in countries like Australia, Spain, Japan, the‍ UK, and Iceland. Iceland has already de facto introduced the 4-day week ‌following ‌a successful ‌trial, showing just how impactful these experiments‍ can​ be.

Want to learn ‌more about the 4-day week and its potential impact?‌ Read on here.