Around the world, experiments are underway to implement a four-day workweek, aiming to revolutionize work habits and improve employee well-being. Africa, too, is joining this global trend, with trials currently underway in Namibia and previous experiments conducted in South Africa.
Efforts are being made to establish a four-day workweek model. According to Jonas Ileka, leading the project in Namibia, the goal is to dedicate one less day to work while increasing productivity, all without reducing salaries. Ileka emphasizes the novelty of the concept and its potential to enhance productivity and employee welfare. He highlights the need for research to be conducted within African contexts rather than solely relying on Western data.
While skepticism and fear are natural responses to change, Ileka stresses the importance of informing and educating individuals about the benefits of a four-day workweek. The strategy focuses on improving company performance, and operational efficiency, and changing mindsets to encourage employees. By emphasizing task completion over mere presence in the office, employees are motivated with an extra day off.
Ileka acknowledges that the four-day workweek may not be suitable for all businesses but emphasizes the importance of collecting data specific to Namibia to assess productivity and identify areas for improvement.
Meanwhile, South Africa has already conducted trials in 2023, involving 28 companies and approximately 500 employees primarily in the service sector. Mark Smith, who supervised the experiment, notes positive outcomes, with employees and managers reporting improved well-being and efficiency in work practices.
Some companies, like Elnatan, have embraced the four-day workweek permanently, citing improved employee mental health and continued customer satisfaction. However, skepticism remains in certain sectors, with concerns about maintaining workloads and the need for flexibility.
Looking ahead, both Namibia and South Africa plan to conduct further trials, aiming to convince larger companies across various sectors to adopt the four-day workweek model. These initiatives represent a significant shift in work culture and have the potential to reshape the future of work in Africa.