Employers fear 4-day work weeks negative impact

Employers fear 4-day work weeks negative impact

Professionals have iterated their satisfaction over working four days in a week, but employers are afraid of the impact on company culture. 

Women at a meeting smiling
Women at a meeting smiling/Pexels

The implementation of the four-day work week has been welcomed by those lucky enough to experience them. 

Leading recruiter Robert Walters has revealed some insight into the proposition amidst the pilot rollout of the four-day work week in South Africa this month. 

Two-thousand professionals who participated in a poll revealed that employers are not happy about the implementation due to the impact it will have on company culture. 

Jasmine Araujo – Senior Manager of Robert Walters South Africa shared the following: “Workplaces have only just turned a corner and started to see more faces in the office – with that has come a burst of energy, collaboration, creativity, and productivity. With the trials of 4 days being so new to many organisations, the long-term impact is hard to ascertain – however, with 46% of professionals willing to forego socials and business relationships, companies should be mindful that poor company culture comes at a price." (Robert Walters)

It really goes to show the impact of all that South Africans have to had to face over the past two to three years. Life is not the same anymore.

Having it all for many now involves spending more time with loved ones, and living a more fulfilled life outside of work. 

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"According to the findings from Robert Walters, a staggering 90% of professionals would be keen for their employer to implement a 4-day week. In fact, a 4-day week now tops the poll on most desirable perks when applying for a job – with 44% stating that this would appeal to them most on a job description, followed by the ability to work from anywhere (38%)." (Robert Walters)

Debates have arisen labelling the post-pandemic workforce as "entitled", with fewer professionals concerned with the overall "financial health" of the business. 

Definitely a confusing space to be in, considering there is a tug-of-war when it comes to finding balance between work and home life. Either way, it seems to label workers in a certain light.

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