For many Americans, Friday, June 3, marked the first of a series of "Summer Fridays"—hours-adjusted workdays designed to encourage work-life balance in a season known for warmer weather, physically active lifestyles, social events and travel. A recent survey of full-time employed Americans ages 18-42 sponsored by Optimum Nutrition, maker of AMIN.O. Energy Sparkling drink, found that:

  • 86 percent of respondents take advantage of Summer Fridays, even if they have a lot of work on their plate.

  • Most want to use that time for physical activities, including running, walking or biking (46 percent,) working out at the gym or at home (32 percent,) or playing recreational sports like golf (17 percent.)

  • Others say they want to hit the road early for weekend travel (52 percent,) or head to the beach or pool (37 percent.) And 71 percent of parents say they want to have some fun with the kids.
However, more than half of respondents report being physically tired on Fridays, reporting their lowest energy levels between lunchtime and the end of the workday.

  • 36 percent say they are emotionally drained at the end of the week.

  • 62 percent (and 66 percent of Gen Z workers) say they've cancelled Friday plans because they are tapped out by the end of the workweek.
Optimum Nutrition survey results show nearly all respondents (96 percent) turn to beverages for energy. More than half (61 percent) say they are mindful of what their drink choices at work say about them. Three quarters say they prefer to drink beverages with nutritional benefits, and 59 percent are looking for non-alcoholic energy drinks for socializing.