As spring approaches, even the most dedicated employees may find themselves daydreaming about lounging by the pool or taking the kids for a hike. It’s your job to keep these workers productive and motivated during the sunny summer months, and that’s no easy task. Here are some tips for keeping your employees happy and engaged when warm weather beckons.
When surveyed recently, 64 percent of the workers questioned reported that having a good work-life balance is important to them. This becomes even more important in the summer when the kids are out of school and family time should be easier to come by. Rather than resist this trend, embrace it.
Let employees flex their hours so they can start earlier or leave later as it suits them. If the nature of the job makes schedule flexing impossible, consider shortening the time needed to ask for vacation days. Letting an employee schedule a day off with only two or three days’ notice makes it easier for them to take advantage of impromptu gatherings and events.
If your employees would rather be outside, take them there. Provide picnic tables and outdoor furniture, encouraging employees to enjoy the fresh air on their lunch break. Swap out desktop computers for laptops and embrace Wi-Fi so employees can work outside your building for an hour or two if they wish.
When you can’t get laptops and Wi-Fi for your employees, let them telecommute. They may not be able to work outdoors at the office, but a home Wi-Fi network can still allow them to enjoy their deck or patio. Back in the office, try and arrange the workspaces so that as many people as possible can enjoy windows and natural light.
It’s hard to force yourself into the office on a beautiful day, and it’s even harder when the place feels like a sauna. To keep employees happy and comfortable, work with a commercial air conditioning company like MTA Australasia. The right company can help you choose the best cooling system for your business and help you keep it in good working order so your business productivity isn’t crippled by an unexpected heat wave.
Experienced managers know that spring fever happens. Preventing it completely is probably an unrealistic goal, but that doesn’t mean you have to accept a summer slump. Employing these tips and tricks can help you keep your employees tuned in and happy during the laid back days of the summer season.
Lizzie Weakley is a freelance writer from Columbus, Ohio. In her free time, she enjoys the outdoors and walks in the park with her three-year-old husky, Snowball.