According to a recent study by Making Moves, 28% of office workers report feeling happiest working from the office on Fridays. The survey polled over 2,000 office-based employees and found that Monday and Wednesday shared the spot as the second most popular days to work from the office, each receiving 15% of preferences. On the other hand, Thursday was notably the least favoured office day, with only 9.7% of respondents.
Former Porsche, Lamborghini, and BMW CEO Kevin Gaskell suggest that Friday’s popularity might reflect the positive atmosphere created throughout the week. “If the team is looking forward to Friday, it indicates that we’ve established a dynamic and motivating workplace,” he explained. “Fridays are when team energy peaks, progress feels tangible, and there’s a collective sense of achievement.”
Building a positive workplace culture has many benefits. Research shows that a happy work environment can increase productivity by as much as 13%. When employees feel valued and motivated, they contribute their expertise and bring energy, ideas, and a drive to succeed. Such a culture fosters collaboration and innovation, resulting in stronger performance and productivity.
Chartered psychologist Dr. Sanjay Popat also highlights how a positive mood can boost productivity by enhancing cognitive abilities. “When we’re in a good mood, our thinking and problem-solving skills improve, which supports efficiency, communication, and creativity,” he said. A happier outlook makes future tasks more enjoyable and engaging, which leads to higher productivity. Moreover, positive emotions can increase social ease, making employees appear more approachable, which benefits teamwork and customer interactions.
Friday was the most popular day for after-work gatherings, with 43% of respondents selecting it as their preferred day for social events. Many London-based workers noted Thursday as the busiest day for commuting, which may explain its low popularity as an in-office day.
The survey further reveals that 80% of office workers are happiest working from the office at least one day per week, while only a small portion (7.95%) of Gen Z employees expressed no desire to work in the office.