Summer Fridays: Love ‘Em or Leave ‘Em?

Summer Fridays: that end-of-the-week treat that some businesses find increase overall work productivity. We here on the NY Report team are taking advantage of them for the third year in a row. But according to a recent Harris Interactive study, commissioned by Ultimat Vodka, of more than 1,000 employed adults, only 12 percent have a Summer Fridays benefit. And out of that number, 41 percent said they often forfeit the benefit because their workload is so heavy.

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The survey topic was developed to study the perception that a few extra hours away from work in the summer can foster workplace positivity and boost morale. It also wanted to look at the overall work/life balance of employees to see if Summer Fridays might offer an answer to imbalance.

• 87 percent of those who have Summer Fridays agreed that they contribute to a healthier work/life balance
• 86 percent of those who have Summer Fridays used the perk to start their weekend early
• 78 percent of employed adults who do not have Summer Fridays agreed that they would take advantage of the benefit if it was offered
• 76 percent of employed adults agreed that the benefit is an effective tool for increasing productivity
• 73 percent of employed adults who do not have Summer Fridays said that if they did have the benefit, it would help them find balance between work and personal life

According to these survey results, the benefit is appreciated and positively received. But what do you think? Does it really help productivity, or create more pressure to get work done on a shorter timeframe? Leave a comment with your thoughts, questions, or concerns about Summer Fridays to share your ideas and to learn what others think as well.