Remote Workers Rebel: "Quiet Quitting" Fridays, Paving Way for 4-Day Work Week

Breaking News: Remote Professionals "Quiet Quit" Fridays, Paving Way for 4-Day Work Week A growing trend among remote professionals has seen a significant drop in productivity on Fridays, with many employees choosing to "quiet quit" and start their weekends early. According to a study by labor economist Christos Makridis, published in an August 2025 working paper, 35 to 40% of professionals in occupations that can be done remotely worked remotely on Thursdays and Fridays in 2024, compared to only 15% in 2019. The shift towards a four-day work week has been gaining momentum since the COVID-19 pandemic began. Makridis' research found that on Mondays, Tuesdays, and Wednesdays, nearly 30% of professionals worked remotely, up from 10 to 15% five years earlier. This trend is expected to have a significant impact on the future of work, with many companies considering adopting a four-day work week to boost productivity and employee well-being. The immediate impact of this trend is being felt across various industries, with some companies already responding to the shift. In a statement, a spokesperson for a leading tech firm said, "We're seeing a significant increase in employees opting to work remotely on Fridays, and we're exploring ways to accommodate this shift while maintaining productivity and meeting business needs." The background context for this trend is the rise of remote work, which has become increasingly popular since the pandemic. As more employees work from home, they're finding it easier to set boundaries and prioritize their personal lives. Makridis' research suggests that this shift is driven by the desire for better work-life balance and increased flexibility. As the trend towards a four-day work week continues to gain momentum, it's likely that we'll see more companies adopting this model. In fact, some countries are already considering implementing a four-day work week as a national policy. With the potential benefits of increased productivity, reduced burnout, and improved employee satisfaction, it's clear that this trend is here to stay.