Simon Cowell, creator of *The X Factor* and *America’s Got Talent*, has abandoned Friday workdays, calling them “pointless” after research revealed a 20%-35% productivity drop on Fridays. The 66-year-old mogul now spends his Fridays with his son, Eric, engaging in leisure activities like driving 25 miles to buy a Pokémon card.

Cowell’s shift aligns with broader trends: Placer.ai’s Office Building Index shows only 12.4% of office visits occur on Fridays, while Stanford studies note golf courses are packed by 4 p.m. weekly. Samsung and UK trials highlight the four-day workweek’s success, with companies reporting 35% revenue growth and 57% lower turnover. Iceland and Japan have institutionalized shorter weeks, proving productivity gains. Experts argue eliminating Fridays could redefine work culture, prioritizing efficiency over presenteeism.