Did you know that employee productivity drops by 20% in the summer, and projects take 13% longer to complete? Chances are your business can’t afford to cover these drops in productivity all season long.
It’s also getting harder and harder to hire and retain top talent these days. Almost half of U.S. hiring managers say they have open positions they can’t fill, creating a recipe for disaster for businesses of all sizes.
Summer is here and the heat is on — but you can power through the summer slump and keep your cool with a smart employee recognition and engagement strategy. Check out these tips to learn how you can increase employee productivity, enhance engagement, and attract and retain top talent during the summer season and beyond.
1. Foster a Positive Work Environment
Creating a positive work environment is crucial for motivating employees and driving productivity, especially during the summer months. Encourage open communication, provide regular feedback, and create a supportive culture where employees feel seen, heard, and valued. Recognize and reward outstanding performance publicly, and acknowledge the hard work and dedication of your team members by providing thorough feedback and words of encouragement.
2. Embrace Flexibility
During the summer months, employees often take those long-awaited vacations. Parents may also have extra responsibilities on their plates with their children out of school. Embracing flexibility in work hours or implementing remote work options can help employees balance their personal and professional lives more effectively. By accommodating their needs, you show that you trust them, which can lead to increased productivity and loyalty.
3. Offer Summer-Focused Activities and Incentives
Getting outside during the workday is a natural way to stimulate productivity. Consider organizing outdoor team-building activities, such as weekly walks, outdoor lunches or mini field trips, to help your team get some much-needed fresh air and Vitamin D.
You can also encourage employees to take outdoor breaks or even take their work outside so they can enjoy the summer weather. Going outside allows employees to recharge, ultimately reducing burnout and increasing overall job satisfaction.
4. Implement Employee Recognition Programs
Employee recognition is a powerful tool for increasing engagement and motivation. Establish a comprehensive employee recognition program that celebrates accomplishments, milestones, and exceptional performance. Incorporate peer-to-peer recognition, where employees can appreciate and acknowledge the contributions of their colleagues. Recognition not only boosts morale but also creates a culture of appreciation that attracts and retains top talent.
Summer Employee Productivity Tip: Have you ever forgotten someone’s birthday or work anniversary while you were away on vacation? With Elevate, you don’t have to keep track of everyone’s birthday or work anniversary. The automated digital gifting platform allows you to recognize people who matter to you and your team from anywhere at any time, regardless of their location or schedule.
Elevate makes it easier for managers to recognize remote or off-site team members and ensure that everyone has an equal opportunity to be recognized — even while you’re catching sun on the beach.
5. Provide Professional Development Opportunities
Investing in professional development during the summer can have a significant impact on employee productivity and retention. Offer training programs, workshops, or webinars that enhance your team’s skills and knowledge. Encourage employees to set personal development goals and provide resources to help them achieve those goals. By investing in your employees' growth, you’re demonstrating your commitment to their success.
6. Conduct Stay Interviews and Exit Interviews
To retain top talent, it's crucial to understand their needs and expectations. Conduct stay interviews to gather feedback from employees and identify factors that contribute to their job satisfaction. Simultaneously, conduct exit interviews with departing employees to learn about areas for improvement and opportunities for growth within your organization. This valuable feedback can guide your retention strategies and help you create a more engaging work environment.
Keep Your Cool All Summer Long & Boost Employee Productivity
Powering through the summer slump and maintaining employee productivity requires a proactive and inclusive approach. By fostering a positive work environment, embracing flexibility, implementing employee recognition programs, providing professional development opportunities, and seeking feedback through stay and exit interviews, you can create a workplace that attracts and retains top talent while increasing overall productivity.
Remember, an engaged and appreciated workforce is the foundation for success, no matter the season. Contact our team to learn about the latest employee recognition tools designed to support you and your business goals all year long.