Keeping your employees engaged in the summer months can sometimes be a challenge for business owners. It doesn’t have to be. Motivating employees during the summer months can be a great way to maintain productivity and boost morale.
According to a study by Captivate Office Pulse, “employee productivity drops by 20% during the summer. Projects also take 13% longer to complete. The study also found that 45% of workers are more distracted and workplace attendance drops by more than 19%.”
The team at ClarityHR is here to help you with some great ideas to keep your team on track during the summer months.
6 Ideas to Motivate Employees During the Summer:
Offer flexible schedules:
Provide your employees with the option to adjust their working hours or offer flexible work arrangements such as remote work or compressed work weeks. This allows them to make the most of the sunny weather and enjoy summer activities.
Organize team-building activities:
Plan outdoor team-building activities or outings such as picnics, hikes, or sports events. These activities promote teamwork, foster relationships among colleagues, and provide a refreshing break from the regular work routine.
- Scavenger Hunts
- Community Service
- Support Local Businesses
Recognize Achievements:
Acknowledge and reward outstanding performance during the summer months. It can be through a simple thank-you note, public recognition, or even small incentives like gift cards or extra time off. This boosts motivation and encourages employees to strive for excellence.
- Years of service awards
- Employee of the month
Offer Summer-Themed Perks:
Provide summer-related perks to show appreciation for your employees. This can include things like casual dress codes, ice cream socials, or organizing BBQ lunches. Such perks create a more relaxed and enjoyable work atmosphere.
- Sponsor a chili cookoff where the winner gets a gift card to a favorite local spot.
- Play office clue where the employees guess who “murdered” their college with a stapler.
- Dress-down days or themed days where the winner gets a prize.
Encourage Vacations and Time-Off:
Encourage your employees to take vacations or time off to recharge and enjoy the summer. Make sure there is a clear process in place for requesting and approving time off and try to accommodate their preferences as much as possible. We have all been guilty of getting to the end of a year and realizing that we didn’t take enough vacation time. Time off from the daily grind can help re-energize employees.
Encourage Employees to do Physical Activity:
In a study published by the International Journal of Workplace Health Management, employees at companies with gym access manage their time better and feel more productive. Physical activity helps workers concentrate on the days when they have physical activities. Encouraging employees to go for a walk or do something else in the morning will help them focus. Not only in the summer months but year-round.
Provide Development Opportunities:
Offer opportunities for professional growth and development during the summer. This could be through training programs, workshops, or encouraging employees to attend conferences or webinars related to their field.
- Encourage your employees to join a local organization like Rotary Club or a trade organization that makes sense for your business.
- Nominate your employees for business leadership groups like the 30-under-30 or Leadership Akron/Canton/Cleveland
- Allow employees to obtain new certifications or degrees and provide dedicated time for personal improvement in the office.
- Join chambers and encourage your employees to attend to meet other business leaders in your community.
How Can ClarityHR Help you with Summer Productivity?
Remember that every workplace is unique, so consider tailoring these suggestions to fit the specific needs and culture of your organization. ClarityHR is here to help with ideas to make your work environment the best it can be throughout the year. Contact us today to brainstorm things you can do for your summer productivity!