The weather is warm, the kids are off school, and half of the team are on vacation. Hello summer! Captive Network found that workplace productivity tends to drop by 20% during summer months, and workers are 45% more likely to be distracted during summer. However, there are steps that leaders can take to ensure this time is utilized to reenergize teams, strategize, and get creative. Read how with our six top tips below:
- Be flexible
This should be a rule in place year-round, but especially during the summer. Summer is great time to spend some quality time with family and loved ones. An employer that can offer flexible working will not only win the loyalty and trust of their employees, but research shows that person will work harder and remain very productive. In fact, according to research by Team Stage, 23% of people compensate for working less on Fridays with longer working hours during the week.
And according to research by Fuze, 83% of workers believe that they don’t have to work in an office to be more productive and could just as easily be getting their work done from the garden - Communicate, communicate, communicate
Just because it’s summer, doesn’t mean work stops. It’s a great time to prep for the upcoming period. So, ensuring your teams know exactly who is off, for how long, and ensuring sufficient handovers are set are crucial. Nothing is more frustrating than trying to get critical information from someone who has their “Out of Office” (OOO) on. It’s a sure-fire way to delay projects and demotivate the team.
Also, make sure leaders prep teams on how to communicate hand-offs before their hard-earned leave. Can everyone access the documents they need? Does your OOO have relevant contact details of those who can help in your absence? And do those you’re working closest with know in advance that you’ll be away? - Friendly competition
A great way to boost company morale and encourage productivity is by organizing a friendly office contest. Things like “who can walk the most steps in an hour/day/week,” bake offs, or other arts and crafts where everyone can get involved. Another top tip, being sure the activities are as inclusive as they can be for all abilities. - Work outdoors
Working outside or having walking meetings can make all the difference to an afternoon. If someone has a big report to read or write, let them go sit outside with their laptop.
Getting your team outdoors, in nature and on the move is great for health, wellbeing and productivity levels. In fact, satisfied employees are 12% more productive than the average worker. - Adapt to the weather
Depending on your teams’ locations, you might be working through some high heat. Ensuring your teams are working in comfortable conditions, is crucial. If your office space isn’t set up for the weather outside, offer to let people work from home, cafes or wherever they feel more comfortable. No one is going to be doing their best work, or even good work, if they’re an uncomfortable. - Lead by example
This is by far the most important step. Your employees will be looking to their managers for leadership. If your board and senior management teams aren’t following their own summer tips, others won’t follow. So ensure you go out and enjoy some sunshine toom while remaining productive and proactive in the office!
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