No more pencils, no more books, no more teacher’s dirty looks! School is out for summer, and kids are looking forward to a little downtime…and maybe some fun in the sun.
I don’t know about you, but I miss those relaxing summer days with few responsibilities and no plans. Although life has changed a little since my school days, there’s still something about summer that makes me smile.
In today’s workplace, however, summertime can present a few challenges.
Employees working from home may find themselves more distracted with kids hanging around, complaining that they’re bored, or that nothing’s in the fridge. Even employees who are in the office can have trouble balancing day care and work during the summer months.
Employers often see productivity lags in the summertime as work slows due to vacations, or employees wanting to get out and enjoy the sunny days.
So how can you help set your employees up for summertime success?
6 tips to help your employees thrive this summer:
1. Employees need a plan – they can’t manage being a great parent and a great employee at the same time
Working from home can’t be an alternative to babysitters or day camps. If your employees abuse the flexibility you offer to work from home, they may ruin that benefit for everyone else. Elderly parents, neighbourhood teens, day camps, away camps – all are great options for daycare to keep kids occupied and engaged over the summer.
2. Clearly and regularly communicate your company’s position on work from office/ work from home policy.
Make sure it’s fair for everyone. If you don’t have one clearly defined, start to work on it. If you need help, reach out to me. This is the number one topic I’m working on with clients right now, and I have a lot of ideas, advice and templates to help. If you’re planning on increasing the amount of time employees are expected back in the office, hold off until mid-September when kids are back in school.
3. Provide some support – be that A+ manager / company and provide a little time off
Consider offering half days before long weekends, flex Fridays or even every Friday off during the summer? There’s some research showing employees can get the same amount of work done during a compressed week. If a four-day work week is a little too much to offer, maybe try no-meeting Fridays or no meetings after 3 p.m. Small gestures can be meaningful.
4. Organize a summer social – bring people together to connect in person
The power of human connection is meaningful. Many of us are starving for safe in-person events for a chance to reconnect. Hybrid and remote workers, in particular, may want a day to meet face-to-face with their colleagues.
And here’s a few tips for summer fun for EVERYONE
1. Enjoy the sun, but wear sunscreen, a hat, and cover up when you can.
Being a Ginger, marrying a Ginger, and having a daughter who is a Ginger, I understand the importance of sun safety. We understand so much more today than we did 20 years ago. As the Aussies say – Slip Slap Slop – Slip on a shirt, slap on a hat, slop on sunscreen. Just do it!
2. Be kind to yourself.
It has been a difficult few years, and we all need a little time to wind down. Taking a break – really taking a break – will help your mind let go of some of the stress and find some space and energy to move forward.
3. Resolve to disconnect from work…and really do it.
Don’t read emails after hours or on weekends. Ditch your laptop on vacation. If you still need to be accessible, set boundaries around when you can be contacted or what is critical for you to address.
Life is short – and summertime is even shorter. Make the most of it!
Enjoy fresh foods, read a book, take a walk or ride your bike. Stick your feet into a lake – or an ocean! Take advantage of everything summertime has to offer so you can relax, recharge and get ready for a productive fall.
