Summer means fun in the sun, backyard barbecues, and good times with good friends. It’s normal for workers to start feeling checked out, but the work still has to get done. Fortunately, there are some easy steps you can take to keep up employee engagement even when temperatures are soaring.
Be Flexible
It’s hot outside, which can drop motivation to near zero, especially for those who have to work in the heat. There is also a real risk of heat-related illnesses. In addition, summers are typically packed with family adventures such as vacations. You still have deadlines to meet, but look for ways that you can offer flexibility without sacrificing productivity. Could employees opt to work more flexible shifts? Can they work from home now and then? The more flexibility you can offer, the more productive your employees are likely to be.
Set Short-term Goals
Help your employees design summer work plans and break them down into small actionable steps. When they can see their progress day to day, they will be more inspired to keep moving forward, improving employee engagement. Consider offering small rewards, such as gift cards, for meeting defined objectives.
Embrace Summer Fun
Partner with a local sporting goods retailer, rock climbing gym, or hiking club to offer employee discounts. Organize an optional end-of-summer party. Pay for a preferred viewing location for your local Fourth of July fireworks celebration, and have your workers bring their families along. When you embrace the summer, you’re showing your employees that you understand what’s important to them. This will boost employee engagement.
Think of the Kids
Most children have the summer off, and childcare can be extremely expensive. Can you offer onsite childcare? Perhaps you could partner with a local day camp to offer discounted pricing. Or maybe you could offer a one-week vacation camp in an unused conference room. Anything that helps entertain the kids while taking financial pressure off their parents is a true win-win.
Relax the Dress Code
Some parts of your dress code are likely for safety reasons, such as steel-toed boots. But wherever you can, allow workers to relax and dress for the weather. Summer is not the time to be stuffy!
Prioritize Work-Life Balance
In today’s always-on culture, it can be difficult to ever truly step away from the job. Encourage your workers to leave work at work and completely transition to personal time during their off-hours. Make sure you’re leading by example. Leave work on time and don’t answer your work calls or emails until you return.
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