If there’s one thing that can make schlepping into the office more bearable sweating more bearable, it’s summer Fridays. Knowing that you’ll have part (or even the entire) day off at the end of the workweek can work wonders for your productivity and put you in a better mood, too. If your boss still isn’t on the bandwagon to incorporate it into company policy, you can explain why summer Fridays can help your mental health — and benefit their business, too.
Studies have shown that summer Fridays are crucial to overall employee health. So why are some employers dragging their feet to make it a norm? “Some companies tend to shy away from offering them due to worries about keeping productivity and meeting important deadlines,” explains Asma Rehman, a mental health expert and Founder and Director of the Grief Recovery Center in Houston, TX. “Companies wonder if the best way to run their businesses is to let their employees take off some time and work less in the summer. That’s when they start having some serious internal arguments.” Of course, industries that require round-the-clock customer support or business operations can’t as easily shave even a few hours off the workweek, Rehman points out. But still, when it’s possible, it can (and should) be done. Here’s why.
It Makes You More Productive
Contrary to popular belief, having some time off during the workweek can often make you work harder, not less. “Studies have shown that workers toil harder on Fridays when they know they have a long weekend,” Rehman adds. “Errors are reduced, and the company has seen that workers in one section take advantage of this and have encouraged other departments to follow suit.” Think about it: if you know that you’ll have some time off, you’ll be more likely to finish those reports on Friday rather than facing an even bigger pile of paperwork come Monday morning.
It Makes You Feel More In Control
From impromptu meetings to upping a deadline, it can be challenging to feel like you’re in sync with your schedule. And that’s why a Summer Friday (which typically runs from May to September), makes sense. For once, you might feel in control of your workday, which gives you a sense of some much-needed autonomy. “Not only does it offer the sensation of more control and time that leads into a typical weekend off, but it allows employees to potentially circumvent burnout,” says Christina Powell, M.S. Ed., LMHC-QS (FL), LPC (TX).
It Gives You A Mental Reset
Summer Fridays isn’t just about getting to end the work week early — although that’s basically the idea. Grinding through the workweek can make Fridays a welcome respite, and getting out earlier only adds to the excitement. “The concept in reality is like a mental reset button. You give your mind and body a little extra time to breathe and rest,” explains Jennifer Gray, a licensed professional counselor. “For employees, extra time off means less stress and burnout. It means more balance, joy, connection with loved ones, and actual time to recharge.”
It Makes You Less Likely To Quit
Who hasn’t had the passing thought of quitting their job due to an insane workload? Well, having a Summer Friday to look forward to can reduce your chances of handing your boss your resignation letter. “Happy, well-rested employees are less likely to quit and more likely to be productive because they feel valued and respected,” adds Gray. “Not only does that mean more profits for the business and reduced stress on management, which is a win for the company, but it’ll feel pretty good to feel like you’re being seen by a boss who actually cares!”
Feeling like your company cares about you is not only crucial to your performance, but your propensity to stay in your job longer. “You might feel that the employer is interested in providing you work-life balance and flexibility in your work environment,” says Rehman. “These qualities from an employer can be paramount to not only retention and loyalty, but the culture within the company.”
It Makes You Less Likely To Take Time Off
If you thought that your work might slow down during the summer, think again. Companies may speed up on assignments to prepare for the fall — and their Q4. But because your kids are off from school, slipping off to score a beach day won’t mean you’ll lose a day from work (and possibly a paycheck) if Summer Fridays are part of company policy. Rehman agrees, adding, “People take less time off because they are permitted extra leave on one day between Monday and Thursday,” she says. “And even when they still need a Friday off, they seem less guilty about it when it’s a choice and part of a commitment to working an extra hour or two on the days immediately before and after.”
Summer Fridays should be the norm — and not the exception — for many workers. By having the hope of a few hours off at the end of the workweek, you’ll not only get more done, but you’ll be able to have those priceless bonding moments with your kids, whether it’s playing at the park or catching a mid-day movie showing. So if your employer isn’t currently offering this perk, speak to your boss to highlight how Summer Fridays will work best for both of you.