As summer reaches its peak, a number of major firms are bringing back seasonal perks to ease employee workloads and support work-life balance — even as many continue efforts to bring staff back into the office more frequently.
Several high-profile companies are offering flexible arrangements during the quieter summer months, including half-days, extended remote working, and family-oriented initiatives. These perks are aimed at improving employee satisfaction while managing the logistical challenges that come with school holidays and reduced business activity.
Legal and Financial Firms Lead the Way
Law firm Pinsent Masons is allowing its European staff to take four half-days across July and August as part of a new summer programme, following a successful pilot last year. Similarly, Covington & Burling, an international law firm, has given staff the option to work from home for up to two weeks in August. Meanwhile, Jupiter Asset Management has extended remote working privileges for the entire month, accommodating employees with holiday or childcare responsibilities.
“Childcare during school holidays, especially the long summer holidays, can pose challenges for some families,” said Tracey Kinsella, head of human resources at Jupiter. “So we increase the flexibility available to our staff across the month of August.”
Balancing Flexibility and Office Culture
These offerings come at a time when many organizations are reducing the flexibility introduced during the pandemic. For example, Covington recently increased its in-office requirement from three to four days a week. Experts warn that this contrast may send mixed signals.
“The problem with offering professionals remote working as a reward during the summer is that, come the autumn, it makes the requirement to spend more time in the office look like a punishment,” explained Laura Empson, professor at Bayes Business School and an expert in professional services.
Some firms are wary of introducing perks that may later be difficult to withdraw. One executive at a large consultancy noted concerns about offering summer benefits like half-day Fridays due to the risk of backlash if those perks are removed.
Summer Perks Under Pressure
PwC UK has gradually scaled back its “summer Fridays” initiative, reducing the benefit from 12 weeks in 2021 to just six weeks last year. The firm has also rebranded the policy as “summer empowerment,” a move insiders say gives senior staff more flexibility to request junior employees work Friday afternoons if needed.
KPMG UK continues to allow employees to finish at 1 p.m. one day per week from mid-June to the end of August. The company sees it as a way to help employees “make the most of the summer months,” according to Karl Edge, KPMG UK’s chief people officer.
Conference organizer Hyve Group has also kept its “summer Fridays” policy for a third consecutive year and adds fun perks like a free ice cream cart at the office.
In a more family-oriented approach, Domestic & General, a UK-based insurer, is offering two-day coding camps for employees’ children, helping working parents manage summer childcare needs.
Rethinking Quiet Periods
While some employers see summer downtime as an opportunity to offer rest and flexibility, others argue it’s an ideal time to build company culture. “Professional employees aren’t like taps to be turned on and off,” said Empson. “When work is quiet over the summer, that’s a fantastic opportunity to pay attention to refreshing relationships and strengthening culture.”
As companies navigate post-pandemic work models, these summer perks reflect a balancing act — between supporting staff wellbeing and reinforcing in-office engagement.
