The $2.58bn (£2.13bn) turnover mass customisation giant has been trialling the idea for at least a year as part of its remote-first work strategy, which was driven by the impact of the pandemic. 

The group said that following positive feedback from employees, the initiative was back. 

“Eligible team members are able to take a half day off to spend time doing what they love the most – whether that means spending quality time with family, checking out that newly released movie, relaxing at the beach or something completely new,” the group stated. 

“Recharge Fridays are another step we’re taking to reach the ultimate work-life harmony for our teams.”

However, the initiative is not suitable for all of its operations, with Dundee-based trade printing wing Tradeprint a case in point.

Sales and customer success director Anthony Rowell told Printweek: “We love the Recharge Fridays concept but, due to our scale, it isn’t practical for Tradeprint right now without impacting our ability to deliver our astonishing customer experience!”

He said the business had introduced its own initiatives to help employees achieve a positive work-life balance and explore their passions outside of work “including volunteer time off and birthday days off”.

“We’ve also recently started a trial of dedicated training time built into normal working hours, which we are very excited about,” he added.

Rowell said the initiatives were important ways to improve employee wellbeing and supported Tradeprint’s strategic goal of investing in the company’s people and its local community.

Tradeprint had sales of just over £10m in the year to 30 June 2021, and is part of Cimpress’ $855.6m turnover Upload & Print business.

A number of industry firms have adopted a four -day working week, which has gained traction in the move to more flexible working.