Check out our latest magazine... Read Online

Fancy Having Friday Afternoons Off? - The pros and cons

Would you take Friday afternoons off if your company let you? (Alamy/PA)

The company has announced it will let employees take half-day Fridays during summer.

Get ready to feel a sudden surge of envy. Kellogg’s has announced it is encouraging employees to take Friday afternoons off during summer, to help them “switch off and take that time to do something they really enjoy”.

As a part of a flexible working scheme, office-based staff can finish work at noon on a Friday, provided they have completed a full week’s hours.

Sounds dreamy, doesn’t it? But would ‘summer hours’, as they’re called, really be all that good?

Pros

A shorter working week

man in suit walking out the door of his office
(Alamy/PA)

What’s not to love about this? Less work equals more relaxation. More time for an invigorating seaside hike, getting lost in a page-turner, or bingeing trash TV.

You could enjoy the weekday peace

Doctor Who Television GIF by BBC America - Find & Share on GIPHY

Just think how delightful it would be not having to fight the weekend hordes to get a table at your favourite beer garden or brunch spot. The gym would be half-empty and you could browse the shops without worrying about people who apparently don’t understand the concept of social distancing.

Life admin would be easier

Happy Game Over GIF by QuickBooks - Find & Share on GIPHY

Similarly, you wouldn’t have to brave the Saturday morning queue at the post office or bank. You could whizz through all your errands after work on Friday, leaving the weekend gloriously life-admin-free.

More ‘me’ time

Own Network Me Time GIF by OWN: Oprah Winfrey Network - Find & Share on GIPHY

Sometimes, when you’ve got a hectic weekend on the horizon, all you want is some alone time. Having Friday afternoon off would give you the chance to recharge your batteries before all the socialising begins.

Weekends away would be better

You could beat the traffic while driving to a seaside escape, or beat the extortionate airfares (when we’re able to jet off overseas again). Plus, you’d arrive just in time for a pre-dinner beverage, instead of rocking up at the hotel at midnight after scurrying out of work with your wheelie bag at 6pm.

Cons

Longer hours the rest of the week

GIF by Hyper RPG - Find & Share on GIPHY

Don’t forget, you’d still have to complete your usual hours each week, which would mean later finishes (or earlier starts) the rest of the days. And those Friday mornings trying to cram everything in before noon could be more hassle than they’re worth.

Could you really switch off?

Comedy Central GIF by Workaholics - Find & Share on GIPHY

While with some jobs, it’s easy enough to log off and forget about work once you’re out the door, with others you can’t so easily hand over the reins. If you fall into the latter camp, you just know you’d still be checking your emails every five minutes, or glancing at your phone waiting for a problem to arise that only you can fix.

Friday afternoons at work are fun

Friday Weekend GIF - Find & Share on GIPHY

With fewer meetings and fewer big bosses lurking, Friday afternoons are often the best time to be in the office. Everyone’s in a good mood, you might be heading to the pub for a long lunch or post-work pint, and there’s usually gossip to share from Thursday night’s shenanigans. Would you really want to miss out on all that?

Who would you hang out with?

Bored Hurry Up GIF by Film Riot - Find & Share on GIPHY

Sadly, not many companies often summer hours. So while you’d be free on Fridays, you might find you don’t have many people to hang out with, because they’re all still stuck at work.

More from Lifestyle

  • Five Of The Most Wondrous Ancient Ruins In The World

    The world is home to countless ancient ruins that stand as awe-inspiring reminders of past civilizations. These structures, built centuries or even millennia ago, offer a glimpse into the ingenuity and artistry of those who came before us. If you love history and adventure, here are five of the most wondrous ancient ruins you should see in your lifetime:

  • Five Of The Most Inhospitable Places on the Planet

    The Earth is home to some of the most breath-taking landscapes, but it also harbours regions so extreme that they challenge the limits of human survival. From scorching deserts to freezing wastelands, here are five of the most inhospitable places on the planet:

  • Five Animals You Wouldn’t Believe Are Kept as Pets

    When you think of pets, dogs, cats, or even hamsters might come to mind. But for some animal enthusiasts, the ordinary just won’t do. Across the globe, people have opted for some truly unexpected companions. From scaled oddities to exotic creatures, here are five animals you wouldn’t believe are kept as pets:

  • Five Most Pet-Friendly Destinations in the UK

    For pet lovers, leaving your furry friend behind when planning a trip can feel bittersweet. Fortunately, the UK offers plenty of destinations where your four-legged companion can join in on the adventure. From scenic countryside retreats to dog-friendly beaches and bustling cities with pet-friendly cafes, there’s something for everyone. Here are five of the most pet-friendly destinations in the UK, perfect for a getaway with your best friend:

  • Five UK Valentine's Destinations Perfect For A Night Away

    Whether you’re dreaming of candlelit dinners, cosy countryside retreats, or breath-taking city views, the UK offers a wealth of enchanting destinations to make your Valentine’s night unforgettable. Here are five perfect spots for a night of romance this February 14th:

Comments

Add a comment

Log in to the club or enter your details below.
450

Get Social