Are Cities Becoming Ghost Towns on Fridays? The Future of Work-Life Balance

Introduction

It’s Friday afternoon in the city. You’re surrounded by office blocks, and there’s a restaurant or bar on every
corner. But where is everyone?

Research shows that based on occupancy and travel data, people are probably at home on Fridays. This trend raises
questions about the future of work-life balance and the role of cities in the post-pandemic era.

The Shift to Remote Work

In an interview with Stanford economics professor Nick Bloom and Financial Times columnist Pilita Clark, Isabel
Berwick explores the possibility of cities becoming ghost towns on Fridays. The conversation delves into the
reasons behind this shift and investigates what people are doing if they are not in the office on Fridays.

One of the main drivers of this trend is the rise of remote work. The pandemic accelerated the adoption of remote
work practices, forcing many companies to implement flexible work-from-home policies. Employees now have the
freedom to choose where they work, and Friday has become a popular day to work from home.

According to Professor Bloom, who has extensively studied the impact of remote work, this shift in behavior is
here to stay. He claims that the evidence overwhelmingly suggests that remote work improves productivity and job
satisfaction. Employees are more focused and have fewer distractions, leading to increased output.

Benefits and Challenges

The Benefits of Remote Work on Fridays

• Increased productivity due to reduced distractions
• Flexibility to manage personal and family commitments
• Reduced commuting time and expense
• Improved work-life balance

The Challenges of Remote Work on Fridays

• Potential for longer working hours and difficulty disconnecting
• Lack of social interaction and collaboration
• Blurring of boundaries between work and personal life
• Potential for increased feelings of isolation and loneliness

What Are People Doing on Fridays?

So, if people are not in the office on Fridays, what are they doing?

According to Pilita Clark, many individuals are using their Fridays to focus on deep work, tackle important
projects, or catch up on tasks that require concentration. This dedicated time away from the office environment
allows employees to work without interruptions and deliver high-quality results.

Additionally, employees may choose to use their Fridays for personal activities such as engaging in hobbies,
spending time with family and friends, or pursuing further education or personal development.

Examples of Friday Activities

• Freelance work or side projects
• Exercise and physical wellness activities
• Volunteering or community engagement
• Attending seminars, workshops, or online courses
• Exploring new hobbies or creative pursuits

The 4-Day Workweek

As organizations adapt to new ways of working, some companies are taking it a step further and implementing
four-day workweeks. Chris Silcock, Kellogg’s UK & Ireland Managing Director, shares insights into why the
company allows workers to finish early on Fridays.

Silcock believes that a shorter workweek has numerous benefits, including increased employee happiness,
productivity, and retention. By giving employees an extra day off, companies can create a better work-life
balance and foster a more motivated and engaged workforce.

While the concept of a four-day workweek may seem radical to some, it is gaining traction as more companies
recognize the positive impact it can have on employee well-being and overall business performance.

Future Implications for Cities

If the trend of empty offices on Fridays continues, it raises questions about the future of cities. Will Fridays
become ghost towns?

While the role of cities may evolve, it is unlikely that they will become completely deserted on Fridays. Cities
offer a unique environment that fosters collaboration, creativity, and social interactions that cannot be
replicated in a remote setting.

However, the way cities are designed and the types of spaces they offer may need to adapt. Companies may shift to
hybrid models where employees divide their time between home and the office. This could result in a change in
office layouts, with more emphasis on collaborative spaces and fewer individual workstations.

Cities may also need to reevaluate their transportation infrastructure and prioritize alternative modes of
commuting, such as cycling or walking, to accommodate the reduced demand for public transit on Fridays.

Unique Insights and Perspectives

The Rise of Digital Nomads

One interesting consequence of the remote work revolution is the rise of digital nomads. These individuals have
the freedom to work from anywhere in the world, often traveling to different cities or even countries while
maintaining their employment.

The ability to work remotely has led to a reimagining of work-life balance, with some individuals choosing to
combine work and leisure in new and exciting ways. Digital nomads can explore different cultures, meet new
people, and experience a sense of adventure while still fulfilling their professional responsibilities.

Striking the Right Balance

While remote work offers numerous benefits, it is crucial to strike the right balance between flexibility and
maintaining a sense of connection and community.

Organizations need to invest in technology and tools that facilitate collaboration and communication among remote
teams. Regular check-ins, virtual team-building activities, and opportunities for informal social interactions
can help foster a sense of belonging and prevent employees from feeling isolated.

Reimagining the Office Space

The shift towards remote work on Fridays and the potential for a four-day workweek may require companies to
rethink the purpose and design of office spaces.

Instead of traditional cubicles and individual workstations, offices may be transformed into flexible and
collaborative spaces that prioritize face-to-face interactions, team collaboration, and creative problem-solving.
The office environment can become a hub for innovation, brainstorming, and building strong relationships.

Summary

The rise of remote work and the shift towards working from home on Fridays have raised questions about the future
of cities and work-life balance. While cities may not become ghost towns, the way they function and the role of
the office may evolve.

Remote work offers benefits such as increased productivity and flexibility, but it also presents challenges,
including potential feelings of isolation and difficulty disconnecting from work. The key is finding the right
balance and leveraging technology to foster collaboration and maintain social connections.

Companies like Kellogg’s are embracing the concept of a four-day workweek, recognizing the positive impact it can
have on employee well-being and productivity.

As we envision the future of work, it is important to consider the unique insights and perspectives that emerge.
The rise of digital nomads and the reimagining of office spaces are just a few examples of how work-life balance
and the physical workspace are transforming.

Ultimately, the future of work and cities will be shaped by our ability to adapt, innovate, and prioritize the
well-being and happiness of employees.

Sources:

• Thursdays really are the new Fridays
• Prepare for the four-day workweek
• US big city centers ‘stuck’ behind
  smaller rivals in pandemic recovery

Follow Elizabeth on
Linkedin

On X, formerly Twitter, you can follow Isabel on @isabelberwick

Subscribe to Working on It wherever you get your podcasts, and leave us a review!

Presented by Isabel Berwick. Produced by Mischa Frankl-Duval, with production assistance from Lucy Snell. The
executive producer is Manuela Saragosa, and the sound engineer is Simon Panayi.

Read a transcript of this episode on
FT.com

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