Thomas and Skhumba: The UK to trial a 4-day work week

By Katlego Sekhu

Starting in June 2022, over 30 British companies will be taking part in a six-month trial period of a four-day working week. These companies will be taking part in the pilot which will see employees still earning the same income working one less day than they normally would.

Meanwhile, in the US, a California congressman has introduced legislation that will reduce the 40-hour working week.

“What I’m really aiming for is a new norm, where people are actually having a livable wage with fewer days in a week that they have to use to earn.”

This aims to reduce employee stress and encourage a happier workplace. “We have a chance to I think have a less stressed nation and a happier workforce,” he says.

Companies in countries like Iceland and Japan are already seeing success in the system.

Speaking about the possibility of a 4-day work week in South Africa on The Morning Show, Thomas argues that it will not work. He says that whenever there’s a public holiday on a Monday, people still come back to work tired the next day so how will it be different? “You know how we are when we have a holiday on a Monday, we come back the next day tired.”

On the other hand, Skhumba is for it as he believes it’ll enhance employee performance. ‘Imagine if Monday was your rest day and you return to work on Tuesday. People are stuck in traffic and it’s raining. I could have been in bed.”

Judging by the voice notes and calls received, most listeners are agreeing with Skhumba. One listener shares, “we will be more productive because we want to stay on that 4-day work week.”