The traditional five-day workweek is fading, particularly for knowledge workers. While the future of work remains uncertain, one emerging trend is the “gentle Friday”—an unspoken agreement to ease up on work at the end of the week. This article explores the evolution of Fridays, the potential link to reduced burnout, and the future of this workday.
The Evolution of Friday in the Workplace
Pre-pandemic, Friday often involved a more relaxed atmosphere, casual dress, and social gatherings. Now, with average Friday office occupancy at a mere 4.1%, its purpose is shifting again. Bruce Daisley, workplace expert and host of the “Eat Sleep Work Repeat” podcast, observes that given the choice, employees overwhelmingly select Friday as their preferred work-from-home day.
Friday meetings, once commonplace, are now generally avoided. The day is often dedicated to catching up on less demanding tasks and monitoring emails, rather than engaging in intensive work. This relaxed approach is creating an “unwind zone,” as Daisley describes it, a stark contrast to the intensity of the rest of the workweek. Some companies, like Deutsche Bank, are resisting this shift by restricting employees from working remotely on both Friday and the following Monday. This resistance often stems from a traditional mindset resistant to change.
Is a Four-Day Workweek on the Horizon?
This “gentle Friday” trend might be contributing to reduced burnout. The slower pace allows employees to address tasks without the usual pressure, potentially improving overall well-being. Daisley suggests this could lead to an unofficial four-day workweek, even without formal policy changes. The reduced workload on Fridays might naturally evolve into a day of minimal or no work, reflecting a growing desire for work-life balance.
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The Uncertain Future of Friday
While some companies may try to enforce a return to the traditional Friday, Daisley believes this is unlikely to succeed. Employees have embraced the flexibility of remote work, and employers resistant to this change may face employee attrition. The “gentle Friday” seems here to stay, marking a significant shift in work culture and potentially paving the way for a more widespread adoption of a four-day work week.
