Is your office currently experiencing the summer slump? This phenomenon is affecting 53% of US office workers, so it’s likely crept its way into your office, too.
The summer slump is the increase in distraction and decline in motivation workers experience during summertime, beginning in June and wrapping up after the Labor Day holiday in September.
This increase in distraction is typically paired with an influx of vacation days and summer travel, as well as mid-year burnout. 25% of workers report that in addition to feeling distracted, they are also less productive throughout the summer. This loss in productivity can take a huge blow to your end of year goals if you aren’t able to keep your team on track.
High temperatures also contribute to this sensation. While seasonal depression is typically attributed to dreary winter months, the hot weather in summer can increase weariness and depression as well.
Employees who don’t take a summer vacation, and who haven’t taken time off since the holiday season, are likely to start experiencing burnout at the mid-year point. A majority of workers don’t feel like their employer does enough to prevent burnout, so it’s good practice to encourage time off during the summer and throughout the year to keep a happy and engaged workforce. To keep employees motivated, good management is essential.
The summer slump won’t last forever, but from Memorial Day to Labor Day you’re going to have to adopt out-of-the-box strategies to keep your business from suffering. You can stop the summer slump in its tracks with some of these ideas:
- Flexible hours during summer months: Close the office early, even if it’s just for one day a week. Studies have shown 0% loss of productivity in businesses who adopt summer Friday’s. Remote work days during summer are another great way to treat your employees.
- Relax your in-office vibes throughout the summer: It’s hot outside, so let your employees dress accordingly with casual Fridays every day of the week.
- Ditch tradition: Host off-site meetings, team building activities and training and development sessions throughout the summer to keep employees on their toes and engaged.
Here are some more tips from Fundera to avoid the summer slump.
The Graphic Resource: Fundera.com.
