How our colleagues maximised their summer hours

Here at Penguin Random House UK, we love to make the most of the summer. Every Friday from June through to the end of August, colleagues can clock off at 1pm and take advantage of an extra afternoon all to themselves.

So, what have our colleagues got up to in the summer of 2022? From learning how to row, volunteering, spending time with family, and getting tattooed, we share the huge variety of what you can do on a balmy Friday afternoon!?

Melissa Donaldson , Assistant Editor, Puffin Picture Books

I spent a Friday afternoon donating blood for the NHS! Blood stocks were critically low this summer as Covid continues to put pressure on national stocks and the call for donors is urgent.

I hadn’t donated since university as I don’t have a centre in my hometown, and summer hours provided the perfect opportunity for me to travel to a donor centre and donate stress-free (as NHS staff will recommend!) It’s fantastic that we’re given the opportunity to do something positive with our Friday afternoons, whether it’s for some self-care to maintain our personal wellbeing, or saving a life somewhere.

Michelle O. , Senior Producer

During summer hours, I learned how to row (scull) on the River Thames! Working full-time and being a parent, I get hardly any time to myself, so it was amazing to be able to go and do something totally new and different every Friday.

Doing this has been brilliant for my mental and physical well-being – as well as exercising, I met new people, learned rowing technique, had to work as a team (in 4-person and 2-person boats) rowing in synch, and had to be focused on it all of the time.

Going from a complete novice in week one, to being able to row from Putney to Hammersmith Bridge and back by the final class has been exhilarating. Plus, being on the water in the middle of the Thames with sunshine, amazing views of the bridges, trees and birds all around was just fantastic.

Melissa Minty , Licensing Operations Executive, Penguin Ventures

I’ve been able to spend my Friday afternoons with my sister and her new baby – which has been absolutely amazing, she’s adorable! It was also great to be able to be there regularly so my sister could plan naps, appointments, laundry… anything that needed two hands.

Summer hours have been an amazing way to have some time in the week that you can use for anything – whether it be something more practical like life admin, or more joyous, like getting a swim in before the rest of the world descends at the weekends.

Andy A. , Contracts & Business Affairs Assistant

Most recently, I used my summer hours to travel home and visit family, but also in order to get 3 Schitt’s Creek tattoos!

Having the summer hours meant I could get an earlier train up north (which was more affordable), which in turn facilitated spending more time with a cousin before she ventures back to Australia for a year… and also allowed me to get the ridiculous ink.

Chelsie Smith , Royalty Accounts Assistant

I spent my favourite summer hours at my wedding venue, ironing out smaller details, and then at home creating my wedding décor (I’m a keen crafter!) The extra time really helped as it freed up my weekend to create other wedding décor, attend my dress fitting and relax for my upcoming nuptials.

Céline Nyssens , Editorial Assistant, BBC Books

Summer hours gave me space to work on my sewing projects, which are one of my biggest passions. This summer I’ve been working on this jacket – specially designed with secret pockets big enough to fit books in! – as a gift for a friend. Having Friday afternoons off gave me time and space to work on projects like this without the usual rush, which meant I could enjoy them so much more knowing I’d started my weekend early and had plenty of time.

Hayley Baker , Client Services Co-ordinator

I think summer hours are valuable now more than ever, time is so very precious. I lost my mum at a young age and time itself is something we don’t get back. I feel so lucky to work for a company that recognises this. I was recently able to spend some quality time with my partner watching Anne-Marie perform at the Newmarket Races and relax and laugh in the sun. I feel I am part of a company that not only values me, but values my time with my family. It creates the perfect balance.