We’re excited to announce that K5 Business has launched a four-day compressed workweek trial, from 1 September to 30 November 2024.
Participants in this trial will work four 10-hour days a week, instead of the traditional five 8-hour days, taking either a Monday or a Friday as an “off day”.
“BALANCE IS NOT SOMETHING YOU FIND, IT’S SOMETHING YOU CREATE” – Jana Kingsford
At K5 Business, we continuously explore innovative ways to stand out not only as an SAP Partner but also as an employer of choice. Our goal is to attract top talent and cultivate a work environment so compelling that our people never consider looking elsewhere.
Work-life balance is a challenge for many, and we hope that this trial, combined with our existing remote-work model, will help our employees move closer to achieving it.
“LIFE IS AN OPPORTUNITY, BENEFIT FROM IT” – Mother Teresa
Numerous studies on four-day and compressed workweeks have demonstrated various benefits. For instance, a 2023 trial in South Africa, involving 29 companies with over 500 employees, yielded positive results. Additionally, in 2022, Belgium introduced new labour laws allowing workers to choose between working four 10-hour days or five 8-hour days each week.
Key Findings from Studies
- Work Stress Reduction: In South Africa, a third of participants reported decreased work stress during the trial, with burnout rates dropping for 57% of participants.
- Job Satisfaction and Productivity: Half of the employees experienced increased job satisfaction, reporting higher productivity and motivation.
- Improved Well-being: Employees enjoyed a better work-life balance, leading to greater overall wellbeing.
- Retention: Over half of the participants valued their time off so much that they would expect up to 50% more pay to consider returning to a five-day workweek elsewhere. Resignation rates decreased by 11%, and 13% of employees stated that no amount of money could induce them to revert to a five-day schedule.
- Adoption: 92% of the companies participating in the South African trial intend to make the four-day workweek permanent.
“EVERY GREAT JOURNEY STARTS WITH A SINGLE STEP” – Maya Angelou
The four-day compressed workweek trial is optional for our clients and staff. We are committed to meeting client operational needs while respecting individual preferences for existing working patterns.
Feedback from our clients has been overwhelmingly positive, with many eager to see the trial’s results.
“FEEDBACK IS THE BREAKFAST OF CHAMPIONS” – Ken Blanchard
Over the next three months, we will actively engage with all participating clients and staff to gather feedback on the trial’s outcomes. This feedback will be instrumental in refining and potentially implementing a permanent version of the program in the future.
