Before March 26, 2020, most South African businesses were unfamiliar with a work-from-home policy, let alone a hybrid model. We were all too familiar with the tried and tested working at the office. A '9-5' is what we call it.

We were all forced to adapt to this new normal that forced us to work from home full-time without physical contact with our colleagues.

Not only did we face the difficulties of adapting to this new normal, but we were also faced with learning and understanding the coronavirus. It happened way too fast and required everyone to stay calm and take each day as it came. Companies that needed to prepare to work remotely had to adapt quickly and establish processes for accessing documents electronically.

The Hybrid Model

Two years later, we found our feet.

We have hybrid models for some, and others are back to the traditional working model. The hybrid model allows us to work from home and in the office for personal contact with colleagues and clients.

But this model doesn't necessarily work for management with an autocratic approach or management that believes in fully productive staff only when working in the office.

The hybrid model is the future.

It aligns with the 4th industrial revolution and requires businesses to adapt to the constant changes the 4th industrial revolution brings.

Since the beginning of the year, Accensis has launched the hybrid model in some departments.

Global Movement - 4-day week

What may have been a dream or idea is now coming to life. The internet has been buzzing with this new working model, that European nations such as Finland and Belgium are starting to implement this new way of working.

So, we work four days a week and still get paid our full 5-day week salary. This 4-day week is based on the 100-80-100 model - meaning that you get paid 100% of your salary for 80% of the time in exchange for delivering 100% work output.

We are told that the advantages of working a 4-day week will increase productivity, mental health, and a better work-life balance. This model advantages the employees more than the employer. The saying that happy employees mean happy results is the core of this model.

Challenges

It requires a lot of employee discipline and responsibility to embrace these hybrid or 4-day week models.

Employees must be accountable for ensuring they meet expectations without being micromanaged or followed.

The onus is on you, the employee, to ensure work is done timeously, as these models are also privileges that can be revoked if the management feels it does not work for the business.

Is South Africa Ready?

In South Africa, we are facing the challenges of load shedding, which becomes a challenge to fulfill the hybrid model when you are working from home and do not have a power backup system.

So, Is South Africa ready for the 4-day week model? Let's wait and see. Only time can give us this answer.‍