Have you heard of Summer Fridays? If you're living in New York City you've probably heard the term thrown around, and it can become a big part of your discussions when looking for a new job, so what are they!?
I really did think when I first moved to New York that most things about work were the same, except that some people seemed to find joy in working 300 hours a week (which is still truly baffling to me).
I like work as much as the next guy (especially when I get to write articles for you nice folk) but I do also like some time off to rest, recuperate, and find myself a nice new rooftop to sit and soak in the vitamin D.
Casual Fridays exit stage left. Enter Summer Fridays.
According to a poll by Gartner Inc:
More than half of North American employers (55%) will allow employees to skip out early or take the whole day off on Fridays this summer
Employers basically offer partial or half days (and allegedly some offer whole days off but I'm yet to meet someone who gets that) on Fridays throughout the summer months so you can get outside and enjoy life outside of work.
It's a magical time for getting errands done and potentially going out in the daytime, a commodity in the winter months. It also potentially allows some travel time for a weekend away to go hiking, or maybe to find a beach somewhere.
It's not the only thing to consider when looking for a new job, but it's definitely part of the discussion as an added perk!
Things to be wary of when it comes to New York City summer Fridays
It sounds like a dream, but be sure to consider a few things before you sign on the dotted line at your new job because they offer Summer Fridays:
- Make sure there isn't a strict obligation to work over-time to compensate for your new Fridays off (it loses a lot of its charm if you have to work 10 hour days for the rest of the week to cover it);
- Ask the question about what exactly happens on Summer Fridays for the staff. Some offices “require” you to stick around at work and enjoy your time there, which (let's be honest) is basically still working unless you love your co-workers;
- Find out the dates… Some times employers might consider summer to be 2 Fridays in August and that's it.
To all of you who do get the benefits of a half-day Summer Friday: Enjoy it you lucky ducks.
