The Citizen reports that the country’s largest four-day work week pilot was a huge success, according to the first published research results. Companies rated their experience a 9 out of 10, and none will be returning to a five-day week post-trial.

In addition, the companies saw revenue rising to an average of 38% compared to the same period in the previous year. The extra day off became so valuable to workers, that 70% said they would demand a 10-50% pay increase to return to 40 hours. The new research published last week reveals that companies that gave their staff an extra day off per week, with no reduction in pay, experienced increased revenue alongside reduced absenteeism and resignations. Workers felt less stressed and burnt out and reported higher rates of life satisfaction, while the findings also showed significant declines in the duration and frequency of commuting, plus other positive environmental outcomes. None of the participating organisations will return to a five-day week. “Given the looming mental health crisis South Africa faces, we are very encouraged that the results show that the 4-day week can truly and positively impact wellbeing in the workplace,” Karen Lowe, director of 4-Day Week South Africa, said. She emphasised the exceptional improvements in health and wellbeing metrics of the trial. More than 30 companies and almost 1,000 employees in countries including the US, Ireland and Australia, recently concluded a six-month 4-day week pilot program, coordinated by non-profit 4-Day Week Global.

• Read the full original of the report in the above regard by Ina Opperman at The Citizen

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