Good day-after-summer-solstice to all viewers. If you are one of the fortunate employees whose company offers Summer Fridays, you may be looking forward to an early finish or even a whole day off work.
Summer Fridays have always been a popular perk, allowing employees to kick off their weekends early. Unfortunately, not all workers have this option available to them. According to a 2023 survey by Gartner, only 13% of US employees reported that their organizations had Summer Fridays.
However, there seems to be a slight increase in companies offering summer working hours. A survey by Mercer found that 19% of US employers offered summer working hours last year, up from 15% in 2021.
The shift to remote work during the pandemic has led to a transformation in work culture, with employers now embracing greater flexibility in how, when, and where work gets done. This shift may mean that Summer Fridays could become less prevalent as flexible work arrangements become more common.
Employers are now exploring options like four-day work weeks, which have shown improvements in employee performance and engagement. Despite the potential decline in Summer Fridays, other flexible work options, such as flexible work hours or a four-day workweek, are becoming more popular.
Summer Fridays continue to be a desirable perk as part of a broader package of paid time off and work flexibility, especially for employees required to be in the office five days a week.
For those who do not have access to Summer Fridays, it is crucial to take all the vacation days you have accrued. A study by The Pew Research Center revealed that 46% of US workers did not take all their allowed paid time off last year, which can deprive you of much-needed rest and impact your overall performance.
So, it is essential for both your well-being and productivity to make use of your earned time off. Enjoy your weekend and make sure to take some time for yourself.
