The summer working season can feel different to other times of the year. Rates of annual leave are higher as employees jet off on holiday, motivation waivers as we creep ever closer into the year, and increased temperatures have the potential to interrupt regular working routines.
With record high temperatures reaching the UK this month, employers must pause and reflect on what they can do to keep employees engaged throughout the summer. You must maintain productivity and motivation to meet the targets and goals you’re working toward.
We’ve put together four incentives below to help keep your employees motivated and engaged when the sun's shining.
Allow a more casual dress code
When temperatures are high, formal dress codes can become quickly uncomfortable. In light of the extreme weather the UK has been experiencing recently, you might wish to allow a more casual dress code on days when the temperature is very high.
Of course, this won't always be possible in organisations where uniforms are required. But if you can be flexible with your staff, we’d recommend offering the option for workers to wear something they feel comfortable in. When employees feel at ease, it helps them perform better. It also highlights your concern for their welfare, which enhances culture, motivation, and performance.
Summer socials
Good communication and relationships between colleagues play a big role in a successfully functioning organisation. But for these things to foster, you must create the right environments and opportunities.
Summer is a great time to get your teams together and celebrate the achievements you’ve made so far this year. Summer social events bridge connections by increasing teamwork and improving communication. It could be a team meal, a company-wide event or a mid-year award ceremony. Bringing your people together creates community—and motivation ensues.
The power of recognition
Keeping your teams happy and motivated can sometimes feel like a delicate balancing act that’s hard to perfect. But we know that recognition often acts as a failsafe. Figures show that 82% of employees are happier when they’re recognised at work.
When employees are happier at work, it boosts productivity, reduces stress and improves retention. Workplace atmosphere improves, as does morale and work ethic too. So if you find your teams are a little demotivated over the summer season, try recognising things they are doing well. Highlighting employees’ successes in emails, meetings and individually can lighten the load in times of need.
Keep it cool
Looking after the health and safety of your employees is paramount. Before you think about anything else, ensure that you make the working environment as supportive as possible.
Open windows and doors to keep a flow of air coming in. You might provide ice cream as a one-off treat, water bottles to keep staff hydrated or allow employees to take a quick break for fresh air. This added flexibility and reward work as a slight push to keep teams on track when motivation might be lacking.
Help with workplace motivation from Health Assured
Health Assured are experts in building workplace cultures that support employees to exceed in their roles. We work with employers to support mental and physical wellbeing and this, in turn, has an effect on productivity, motivation and engagement in many ways. Get in touch with one of our wellbeing experts today to find out more.
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