Abigail Butcher, Associate in Employment

First Thing is First | The World Economic Forum’s recent annual meeting in Davos covered a wide range of topics including the Ukraine war, climate change and new technologies. However, one softer issue which drew much debate was the hybrid working and shorter work weeks. Speakers at the conference have spoken for and against hybrid work weeks, with much of the concern focusing on how working from home – or for only four days a week – could impact productivity and workplace dynamics.    In South Africa, this work trend remains to be seen. However, if there is a possibility of the legislation of four-day workweeks materializing, then employers in certain sectors may need to consider the way they operate.    Experts from the Employment Law practice at Cliffe Dekker Hofmeyr (CDH) believe that remote and hybrid working is a fast-growing trend.    It allows employees to work from home and attend to the traditional workplace/office intermittently.    While countries such as Spain, Belgium, as well as Japan and the UAE (United Arab Emirates) have already adopted the four-day work week, the COVID-19 pandemic has reignited these conversations with some employers as they are forced to rethink the importance of workplace flexibility and benefits.   Guest:  Abigail Butcher, Associate in Employment    Her contact number : +27 83 385 8007