Explore the trend of office workers opting to work from home on Fridays. Hear experts discuss the future of work and the quietness of Fridays in the office. Learn about the shift towards longer weekends and remote work, and the importance of finishing early on Fridays for better performance and wellbeing. Discover how Fridays in the office have transformed since the pandemic.
Fridays have become the popular choice for working from home, with office workers across the world opting for this day to avoid commuting and enjoy a long weekend.
The transition to remote work on Fridays does raise questions about productivity and work habits, but data indicates that employees often make up for any time lost on Fridays by working longer hours on other days or during evenings and weekends.
Deep dives
Fridays as the New Work-From-Home Days
Fridays have become the popular choice for working from home, with office workers across the world opting for this day to avoid commuting and enjoy a long weekend. The shift from in-office work on Fridays to remote work has been driven by various factors, including the desire for a more flexible schedule and a sense of rebellion against employers. Additionally, technology advancements and the rise of younger, more remote-friendly companies have contributed to this trend. The data suggests that Fridays now have the lowest office occupancy rates, with only around 20% of office workers in the office on this day. This shift in work patterns is unlikely to reverse anytime soon and might even lead to an increase in overall work-from-home levels in the future.
The Impact on Work and Productivity
The transition to remote work on Fridays does raise questions about productivity and work habits. While some employees may take advantage of Fridays to engage in personal activities or have a shorter workday, data indicates that they often make up for this by working longer hours on other days or during evenings and weekends. Innovative technology and the acceptance of more flexible working hours have facilitated this shift. Adopting a hybrid working model, where employees have a mix of remote and in-office days, has become more prevalent. Some companies have even implemented 'summer Fridays,' allowing employees to finish work at midday, which has positively impacted mental and physical wellbeing without compromising productivity.
The Future of Work Patterns
Looking ahead, it is likely that the current pattern of a three-day office workweek (Monday to Thursday) and a work-from-home day (Friday) will remain stable for the next few years. The market for work-from-home technology has seen significant growth, driving innovation and providing support for remote work. Additionally, younger companies, which are more inclined to embrace remote work, will likely shape the future work landscape as they continue to grow. Despite concerns about employee poaching and the need for in-person interactions for certain tasks, there is a general consensus that work-from-home levels will continue to increase in the long run. While it may not be a complete five-day workweek in the office, the flexibility and autonomy offered by remote work are seen as valuable perks that contribute to employee satisfaction and retention.
It’s Friday afternoon in the city. You’re surrounded by office blocks, there’s a restaurant or bar on every corner… so where is everyone? If occupancy and travel data are anything to go by, they’re probably at home. Isabel Berwick speaks to Stanford economics professor Nick Bloom and FT columnist Pilita Clark to find out whether cities will be ghost towns on Fridays for the foreseeable future. She also asks: if people aren’t at the office on Friday, what are they getting up to? Finally, Chris Silcock, the managing director for the UK and Ireland at Kellogg’s tells Isabel why the company lets workers knock off early on Fridays.
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Presented by Isabel Berwick. Produced by Mischa Frankl-Duval, with production assistance from Lucy Snell. The executive producer is Manuela Saragosa and the sound engineer is Simon Panayi.