Summer Fridays: Ideas to Motivate your Team

Finishing work early might not seem like a recipe for business success but it turns out it might just be the secret to boosted productivity, reduced stress and increased staff retention.

The concept of “Summer Fridays” has certainly made its mark in American cities like New York and whispers of its success have started to make an impact in the UK. Summer Fridays are the perk of finishing early on a Friday afternoon, or in some cases, the whole day off during the summer months. It is a tactic designed to reward and encourage staff to make the most of their weekends and seen as a highly desirable perk that an increasing number of employees look for when choosing a job. 

Whilst this is a great option for industries that are able to introduce a company-wide early finish on a Friday, we understand that it’s not always possible. Whether it’s because Fridays are just as busy as every other day, or simply because the corporate environment doesn’t lend itself to a rule-change dependent on the weather, some companies might be looking for an alternative way to drive similar results across their teams without waiting all year for the Christmas Party. For these workplaces, a weekly event that allows the team to come together can be equally as valuable and is proven to increase office attendance with hybrid workers.

Here are a few ideas to implement in your workplace this summer:

Early finish for team socials

The week can fly by with deadlines, to-do lists, and meetings that mean catching up with our colleagues on a more personal level can easily get pushed to the back burner. The impact of finishing an hour or two earlier to unwind and socialise as a team is something that shouldn’t go underestimated. Why not arrange weekly workplace catering that connects teams over great food, or even organise a mixologist or two to create a unique cocktail menu for staff to enjoy. 

Catered breakfasts or lunches to end the week right 

Have a weekly team meeting on a Friday? Or just want to treat your staff at the end of a long week? Consider hosting a weekly catered breakfast or lunch on a Friday as a thank you for all their hard work. This is a great option for companies that can’t afford to give their team a few extra hours off during the week, but still making sure that their hard work goes appreciated and rewarded. At Social Pantry you’ll be assigned a dedicated Workplace Partner to look after your office catering who can create fresh, seasonal menus full of the very best summer ingredients for your team to enjoy. We find that team breakfasts help to set a positive tone for the day and are a great option for teams who are on different meeting schedules as they offer a space to get together and bond in an informal setting without interrupting the workflow. 

Organised fun to anchor the week

Everyone likes to have something to look forward to and a weekly work activity can be a great way to help socialise the team and boost morale. This could be anything from a lunch-time yoga session (why not accompany it with some healthy snacks or nutrient-packed lunch options) or an afternoon ‘paint n sip’ accompanied by cheese and charcuterie stations to help the team unwind and get creative. The key here is to understand what your team would enjoy the most and what would be inclusive to everyone. If they are a particularly active bunch, a workout during the day not only boosts endorphins but checks something else off the mental to-do list and eases pressure, buying them that hour back when they head home in the evening. Make these events extra noteworthy with food and drinks that complement the occasion, our dedicated workplace catering team are experts in coming up with original ideas to make events inspiring and the highlight of everyone’s day. 

Make an impact with an annual summer party

For companies that have a remote workforce or perhaps the team are not in the office on consistent days, hosting an annual summer party can be an excellent way to get everyone together, celebrate the sunshine and enjoy some fantastic food. We know that food can be a way for people to connect, a source of inspiration, and a catalyst for creativity and companionship which is why we work closely with our clients to deliver experiences that speak to the company’s core values. Our team can help you to bring your summer event to life with food and drinks menus that reflect your brand and keep people talking long after for all of the right reasons. 


If you would like Social Pantry to help plan your Summer Fridays in the workplace, or would be interested in having our chefs cater for your team on a regular basis, please get in touch! And for more workplace social tips and industry insights , make sure you’re subscribed to our newsletter, The Gathering.

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