A 5-Step Guide To Leveraging Summer Fridays

Summer Fridays are that promise of an early start to the weekend, a collective sigh of relief as you log off and embrace the freedom of a sun-drenched weekday afternoon. But what if we told you that this time off isn’t just about escaping work, but about building intention in yourself?

As the northeast of the U.S. prepares for a new season after months of heavy snow and relentless rain (looking at you, Vermont!), Summer Fridays are a chance to reclaim time and focus on your well-being and career growth, whatever that looks like for you.

“With Summer Fridays, employees may work less or take the day off to enjoy the beautiful weather and more relaxed atmosphere the season often brings,” Max Freedman, Senior Analyst at Business News Daily, said in this article.

The principle of flexibility and intentional time off is essential in a world that constantly demands your energy and attention. So, here’s a five-step guide to help you make the most of your Summer Friday, drawing on insights about how you can use this time to elevate your career.

Before you even think about “what’s next,” it’s essential to consider “what do I really need?” For many, the answer is simply rest. Use your Summer Friday to disconnect, allowing your body and mind to recover from the week’s demands. This might involve mindful movement, such as a long walk, a gentle yoga session, or a swim.

As Caroline Castrillon, senior Forbes contributor, points out in this article, “With a lighter Friday schedule, team members can recharge and pursue personal interests. As a result, summer Fridays boost morale and make employees more productive the rest of the week.”

The key is to ensure your time off is truly restorative for the week ahead.

Although I don’t have a complete Friday off, I am part of a team that takes turns logging weekend hours. This allows us to enjoy shorter workdays during the week. I have found this flexibility helpful, as it enables me to dedicate time to my hobbies and pursue a year-long certificate in Marketing, which would not be possible without this arrangement.

“With a lighter Friday schedule, team members can recharge and pursue personal interests,” according to Sarah Lynch, staff reporter at Inc. “As a result, summer Fridays boost morale and make employees more productive the rest of the week.”

Summer Fridays offer a great opportunity to nurture existing relationships and build new ones. Reach out to a former colleague, mentor, or someone whose career you admire for a casual coffee or virtual chat, focusing on connection rather than a strict agenda. A thoughtful email or message to someone you haven’t spoken to in a while can also make a big difference. If possible, attend a local industry meet-up or casual professional gathering on a Friday afternoon.

Francesca Gino, Maryam Kouchaki, and Tiziana Casciaro in a Harvard Business Review article wrote, “networking driven by shared interests feels more authentic and is likely to lead to meaningful relationships.”

When was the last time you genuinely reflected on your career goals, achievements, and aspirations? This early time off on Friday can be an opportunity to journal about your journey. Take a moment to write down your thoughts on your career path, including what you are proud of, the challenges you’ve encountered, and your vision for the next few months. As stated by this report on the Psychology Research and Behavior Management journal, “career exploration and self-reflection positively predicted career adaptability and subjective well-being.”

The most crucial aspect to remember is that your Summer Friday isn’t just about working in a different way; it’s also about embracing what brings you joy and makes you feel alive. Take the opportunity to explore your surroundings by visiting a local museum, trying out a new restaurant, or discovering a neighborhood you haven’t explored yet. Spend quality time with loved ones, enjoying moments with friends or family.

As highlighted by Harvard Business Review author Gaetano DiNardi, “When people don’t have time for hobbies, businesses pay a price. Hobbies can make workers substantially better at their jobs.”

Reframe your Summer Friday from merely an early clock out to a valuable gift that allows you to invest in your most precious asset: yourself.