KPMG cuts summer Fridays perk: what it means for your work-life balance

If you work in accountancy or professional services, pay attention: KPMG has just scrapped one of the few perks that made summer bearable for its staff.

The Big Four firm has ended its policy of letting employees clock off early on Fridays during the summer months — a benefit it introduced back in 2021 during the Covid-19 pandemic. The scheme allowed staff to finish work at lunchtime on Fridays over the quieter summer period, giving them two and a half extra days off each week during those months.

Now it’s gone. And KPMG isn’t alone — this signals a broader trend of employers clawing back pandemic-era flexibility as they try to boost productivity and office presence.

What this means for your finances

If you’re a KPMG employee, losing summer Fridays effectively costs you time that you might have used to cut childcare costs, avoid peak-season travel prices, or simply reduce your spending during slower summer weeks. For lower-paid staff, those extra afternoons could have meant freelance work or a side hustle — income that’s now off the table.

The bigger picture matters too. As cost of living pressures persist, perks like early finishes matter more than ever. They’re a way to manage expenses without a pay rise. Losing them squeezes your budget even if your salary stays the same.

What you can do

If you work in professional services and you’re losing similar benefits, consider whether this affects your overall job satisfaction. Is the total package still competitive? You might want to:

Review your salary against market rates for your role
Check whether you’re entitled to additional holiday in lieu
Explore whether flexible working options could replace the lost benefit
Chat to your HR team about what’s changing and why

For those in similar industries watching KPMG’s move, this is a reminder to keep track of your total compensation package — not just your base salary. Perks add real value to your finances.