Guest: Mqondisi Gumede - Co-Chairperson of the 4 Day Week SA Coalition - FOUR-DAY WEEK PILOT IN SOUTH AFRICA – SIGN UP BEGINS

South African organisations keen to sign up for South Africa’s first ever pilot of the four-day week, due to kick off in early 2023, can now do so. And there’s a high level of interest in participating. At a launch webinar today, 84% of attendees acknowledged its potential in improving work life balance, while 65% hope it can increase productivity. The 4 Day Week SA Pioneer Pilot will allow South African organisations to experiment with a new way of working recognised as a way of supporting and empowering workers, enhancing organisational productivity and having a positive impact on societies and the environment. It is based on the 100-80-100™ model which prescribes 100% of the pay, 80% of the time, in exchange for a commitment to delivering 100% of the output. More than 650 participants registered for the webinar event, hosted by the National Business Initiative (NBI). It is evidence of the growing interest in trialing the concept in South Africa. Of those attending, 47% are excited to try it in their organisations, with 32% wanting to find out more. The pilot will involve a six-month trial. Participating organisations will benefit from workshop training and mentoring, delivered by 4 Day Week Global and organisations that have already successfully implemented a four-day week. While networking opportunities with other pilot participants will provide the chance to share learnings and experiences. There will be a rigorous academic framework of research, developed out of Boston College in collaboration, locally, with Stellenbosch Business School. Researchers will work with participants to establish relevant productivity and worker wellbeing metrics and to define what individual success looks like. These metrics will be monitored throughout the trial. The call to action is out. All those interested in signing up for the 4 Day Week SA Pioneer Pilot can do so by logging on to www.4dayweek.co.za In addition, like-minded organisations are encouraged to join the 4 Day Week SA Coalition and consider representing varying industry sectors on an advisory panel.