Summer is in full force, and an inevitable malaise may have started to descend over the office, affecting employee productivity. Employees are distracted by thoughts of summer vacation plans, warm weather, beach days, and all the excitement that the season brings.
With their heads elsewhere, this spells problems for small businesses. As summer heats up, productivity may dip.
Researchers have found that that during the summer months, productivity drops by 20%, attendance decreases by 19%, and employees report that they’re at least 45% more distracted.
So, how do you combat the summer office blues and boost workplace productivity? You may want to consider the following:
1. Try Summer Friday Hours
It’s unlikely that employees will stay at their desks until 5pm on a Friday when most have already shifted into weekend mode, are distracted, and have one foot out the door. This is especially true in the summer when weekend trips or time with the family is planned.
Over half of U.S. companies offer summer Fridays or “flex Fridays”, according to Nationwide's Business Solutions Center. Numerous studies show that employees who benefit from summer hours are happier and more productive, and it’s also a nice perk to attract talent. According to a study by ADP, around 66% of employees with summer Fridays reported feeling more productive and avoided a slump during the summertime.
If you’re not sure about the employee productivity gains (because summer hours don’t work for every business), consider a trial run for a month and assess the gains or losses for yourself. Were tasks put off until a later date or did more get completed ahead or on-schedule? Did important emails get ignored or were they resolved before flex Friday? Are employees working longer hours on Thursdays or Mondays to make up for a shorter Friday?
Not all roles can enjoy leaving work early on Fridays for risk of disrupting operations. If you want to appear fair and offer it to everyone, look for opportunities to cross-train employees so that they can cover for their colleagues for those few hours.
2. Launch a New Project or Initiative
The pace of work life can slow down in the summer, which makes it a great time to start exciting or different projects. You may want to consider launching a new product or feature, or onboarding with a new software. This gives staff a chance to embrace something new, challenge themselves, and help your business benefit from the summer lull.
3. Add Vitamin D to the Mix
Take advantage of the season and encourage your employees to get outside. Adding sunshine to your employee’s lives can reduce stress and give them a better sense of wellbeing.
Research has found that just five minutes of exercising outside boosts mood and self-esteem. The study builds on previous research showing that outdoor walks battle depression better than indoor walking. Whether it’s a team lunch in the park, a brainstorming session in an outdoor cafe, or a fun team trip to a vineyard, golf course, or fair—get your staff out there!
4. Do Some Good
Use the summertime lull philanthropically. Consider skill-based volunteering opportunities that give the team a chance to dig in and make a difference to people and the environment.
The Result? A Whole New Team Dynamic
With all this time outside and starting new projects, an additional effect is that you’ll get to know your employees a lot better. This not only boosts morale but can also have a positive impact on team dynamics. As an employer, this gives you an opportunity to put a finger on the pulse of employee mood, gain feedback, tap previously unknown skills, and create a sense of team.
Disclaimer: Fundbox and its affiliates do not provide tax, legal or accounting advice. This material has been prepared for informational purposes only, and is not intended to provide, and should not be relied on for, tax, legal or accounting advice. You should consult your own tax, legal, and accounting advisors before engaging in any transaction.
