Work-from-home Fridays are becoming increasingly popular among white-collar laptop workers, providing a much-needed break from the traditional office setting. This trend is evident in the routines of workers like Hannah Kristin, a 25-year-old professional who has designated Fridays as her “Hair Mask Friday.” Kristin, who started her career remotely in 2020, spends Monday through Thursday in her Chicago office but reserves Fridays for herself. She begins the day with a boutique fitness class or a long morning walk, indulges in coffee from a local shop, and takes care of household chores that would be challenging to tackle on workdays. With fewer video calls on Fridays, Kristin can pamper herself with a leave-in-conditioner hair mask, a luxury she looks forward to each week.
The flexibility of work-from-home Fridays serves as a welcome contrast to the hustle and bustle of in-office work for Kristin and many other white-collar workers. As hybrid work arrangements become more common, Friday has emerged as the preferred day for remote work, as indicated by ongoing research from the Survey of Working Arrangements and Attitudes. While this shift may have negative implications for businesses that rely on lunchtime foot traffic, such as downtown eateries, it has led to increased activity in leisure businesses on Fridays. Interviews with owners and managers of cafes, bars, gyms, and beauty salons reveal a noticeable uptick in business during Friday work hours, suggesting that workers are using the day as an opportunity to unwind and enjoy some leisure time.
At Burly Coffee, a local coffee shop in New York City, Fridays are the busiest day of the week, according to co-owner Tom Colella. This trend is particularly interesting as Burly is located away from the primary business district of Manhattan, known as “work island.” Data from Kadence, a management software company for hybrid workplaces, supports the observation that office visits peak midweek and decline on Fridays. Similarly, foot traffic analytics from Placer.ai indicate that chain businesses experience higher foot traffic on Fridays compared to other workdays, second only to Saturdays. This trend is reflected in the increased bookings for spa and salon appointments on Fridays, with many individuals opting for self-care treatments and fitness classes during their work-from-home day.
For workers like Sara Daigle, who splits her time between on-site and remote work in Dallas, Fridays hold a special significance. Daigle enjoys the flexibility of working from home on Fridays and benefits from year-round summer Fridays, allowing her to log off early and have more time for herself. This shift towards a more flexible work schedule is indicative of a broader trend among the younger workforce, who are redefining traditional work norms. As the next generation of workers, they may establish work-from-home Fridays as a standard practice, emphasizing the importance of work-life balance and personal time.
In conclusion, work-from-home Fridays have become a popular choice among white-collar workers seeking a break from the rigors of the traditional office environment. This trend is reshaping the way people approach their workweek, with Fridays becoming a day for self-care, leisure activities, and relaxation. As more individuals embrace the flexibility of remote work, businesses are adapting to accommodate the changing patterns of consumer behavior on Fridays. Ultimately, work-from-home Fridays offer a valuable opportunity for workers to recharge, prioritize their well-being, and strike a balance between work and personal life.
