When summer arrives and the weather is perfect for long, slow days outdoors, it can be a challenge to get people to show up for work and — more importantly — continue being productive during this time. But for most companies, it’s also a time when business moves a little slower. Why not lean into the dog days of summer? Here are a few things you can offer employees to keep them engaged this summer while also showing them appreciation for how hard they work year-round.
1. Summer Flextime
Offering some form of flextime through the summer months gives your employees the chance to spend as much time outside to enjoy the warm weather or be with friends and family without sacrificing productivity. If your employees can guarantee to get their work done on time, let them choose if they want to work longer hours for four days, to then have an extended weekend. Or offer work-from-home mornings on Mondays.
2. Extended Weekends
Some companies are generous enough to offer extended weekends during the summer months, allowing employees to indulge in outdoor activities over the break. Others offer half-day Fridays ahead of the summer holiday weekends, or even on a set cadence, such as the final Friday of each summer month. Your workers will appreciate being given enough time to have a proper weekend camping excursion or a road trip to Disneyland. They will come back to work feeling energized and motivated.
3. Summer Casual Dress Code
If your company adheres to a specific dress code during normal business hours, it’s a nice idea to implement casual dress days during the summer months, allowing employees to come to work in jeans and t-shirts, maybe even shorts and flip flops on special days. While this perk may not be high on the list of things that make employees happy, it’s worth offering anyway because it doesn’t cost a single cent. Hawaiian shirt Fridays can also build employee/coworker camaraderie and bring some laughter to the break room.
4. Team Outings & Summer Events
A team outing doesn’t have to mean taking everyone in the office to the beach or a resort hotel over the weekend — though those are certainly worthwhile things to offer. It can be something as simple as a night of after-work drinks in the local watering hole, a team lunch, or an afternoon of basketball or baseball. Either way, getting your employees out of the office is a solid way to build rapport. For more ideas, check out our list of 50+ Office Party Ideas for Every Vibe and Budget. There are more than a few ideas for a company picnics and BBQs.
5. Outdoor & Walking Meetings
Before it gets too hot, why not plan a couple of meetings somewhere nice outdoors? There’s wifi almost everywhere now, not to mention hot spots, so get creative about where you host team meetings. Head for a nearby park or host the meeting on your office roof (if it’s designed for that). One-on-one meetings are also a great way to get some extra steps in and fresh air when you’re having a meeting that doesn’t require a computer or laptop.
***
Regardless of the time of year, it’s always a good idea to offer workplace benefits to keep your employees satisfied. Remember, happy employees are productive employees. For more workforce management insights and guides, be sure to follow this blog. If your company needs help looking for top-notch talent, talk to the staffing services experts of Star Staffing. Contact our offices at 707-762-4447 to find out how our services can be of help.