15 May Is the 4-day work week feasible?
The concept of a 4-day work week has been gaining attention globally, but is it suitable for South Africa? Despite the promising results of the country’s first pilot program, experts caution against its widespread adoption, citing significant challenges for many industries and workers.
Launched on March 1, 2023, the inaugural 4-day work week pilot in South Africa marked a historic moment as the first of its kind in a developing country, and indeed, the entire African continent. Initial findings revealed notable benefits for both employees and employers, with 28 South African businesses and one from Botswana participating in the trial.
Among the positive outcomes reported were increased company revenue, a 49% rise in productivity, reduced work-related stress for participants, and a decrease in sick and personal days taken by employees. These results underscored the potential advantages of embracing alternative work models.
However, experts such as development economist Dieter von Fintel from Stellenbosch University caution that the 4-day work week may not be feasible for the majority of South Africa’s workforce. Von Fintel emphasizes that while this model may work well in developed countries where workers earn higher wages, it presents challenges in South Africa, particularly for those earning at or near the minimum wage.
In essence, the ability to work fewer hours while maintaining a livable income is a luxury enjoyed primarily by wealthier individuals in South Africa and workers in developed countries. Von Fintel suggests that discussions around the 4-day work week should be viewed in this context—as a consideration for a privileged minority.
This sentiment is echoed by experts from the law firm Cliffe Dekker Hofmeyr and the Department of Employment and Labour, who point out the absence of representation from key sectors such as mining, agriculture, and manufacturing in the pilot program. These industries, which are major employers in South Africa, operate within highly regulated frameworks where working hours and wages are tightly linked.
Furthermore, implementing a 4-day work week poses logistical and legislative challenges, particularly in highly unionized environments where negotiations on employment conditions are complex. The need for extensive research and industry-specific analysis is evident before considering widespread adoption of such a model.
While the idea of a 4-day work week may hold appeal for some, it remains a topic of discussion primarily among affluent sectors in South Africa. As experts urge for caution and further exploration, it’s clear that any shift towards alternative work arrangements must be approached with careful consideration of the diverse needs and realities of the South African workforce.