**The Rise of WFH Fridays and Coordinated Hybrid Work**
*Friday Emerges as the Popular WFH Day*
In a recent tweet, Stanford economics professor Nick Bloom confirmed that Fridays have become the de facto work-from-home (WFH) day. This trend aligns with billionaire chairman Steven Roth’s prediction that Fridays in the office are “dead forever.” While Bloom expressed surprise at the stability of this shift, he believes it is part of a larger push towards coordinated hybrid work arrangements. Coordinating in-office days among teams allows for better collaboration and socializing, making it an appealing option for employees.
**The Three-Part Week: Mondays-Thursdays, the Weekend, and Friday**
According to Bloom, the current workweek can be divided into three parts: Mondays through Thursdays, the weekend when offices are closed, and Friday. This highlights the unique status of Friday as a day that organizations and employees are increasingly opting to work from home.
**Exclusion of Fridays in Back-to-Work Mandates**
While it is unlikely that offices will ever be fully occupied on Saturdays and Sundays, Fridays continue to hold their ground as a potential workday. Major corporations like Amazon, Google, and Salesforce have implemented policies mandating a minimum number of days in the office. However, it is worth noting that these mandates rarely include Fridays, potentially indicating that it is becoming a popular WFH day among employees.
**Employer-Employee Mismatch on Office Attendance Expectations**
Bloom’s research reveals a disconnect between employers and employees regarding the number of days to be spent in the office. On average, there is a half workday difference between employees’ preferences and employers’ expectations. Employers often require more in-office days, while employees prefer a greater degree of flexibility.
**The Persistence of Remote Work**
Despite increasing formalization of remote work policies, the practice remains widespread. Approximately 58% of workers in the US, equivalent to 92 million people, can work remotely on some days of the week. McKinsey’s research indicates a growing acceptance of flexible work arrangements, with Fridays being a popular choice for WFH.
By acknowledging the rise of WFH Fridays and the desire for coordinated hybrid work, organizations can adapt to the evolving needs and preferences of their employees.
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