The summer months are packed with vacation time for many, and as a result, you may be finding it challenging to keep employees focused and productive in the weeks leading up to — and following — their time off. Here are a few simple ideas on ways you can maintain productivity and avoid the typical summer slump.
Refresh the Work Environment
Employees tend to perform better when they like their environment. The summer lull is a great time to update the office with some fresh paint, new (or rearranged) furniture, plants, flowers, or pictures on the wall. Any changes you make can go a long way.
Encourage Outdoor Meetings
Being outdoors lowers stress, improves energy, and improves focus. Encourage your employees to try hosting a meeting in a shady area outside or having a walking brainstorming session. This will put a bit of fun back in their work day and can have a positive impact on team dynamics.
Consider Summer Hours
If your employees are getting their work done and accomplishing projects in a timely manner as the summer continues on, consider giving them more flexibility by allowing a summer schedule. It can be as simple as letting your employees come in late one day a week or allowing your employees to leave early one day a week at their choosing. Whatever you decide, make sure it works for your business.
Host Team Building Events
Summer is a great time of year for team building through organized activities. Whether it’s a Labor Day barbecue, company picnic, trip to a baseball game, or a golf outing, these events build company morale and camaraderie while providing great excuses to get outside and enjoy the nice weather.
Set a Good Example
If you want productive employees, you have to lead by example. Come to work on time, show up to meetings, limit “extracurricular” activities (golf, lunch meetings, etc.) and stay engaged. If your employees see you are present during the dog days of summer, they are more likely to willingly follow suit.
Implementing even some of the suggestions listed above can make a big impact on your office productivity this summer. No one said work can’t be fun; it’s just a matter of how you can adjust your work environment to best fit your employees’ needs. Have you had any success with increasing summer productivity in your office? Tell us your thoughts in the comments area below.
This post has been updated from its original run on July 25, 2014.