Beating the Summer Slump: How to Keep Teams Motivated

There’s a dark side to the sunny days of summer – at least in the workplace. Studies show a significant drop in productivity among employees during warmer months, and it may not be surprising to hear. After all, who wouldn’t want to swap a cubicle for a cabana when temperatures are soaring and skies are clear? It’s normal to experience these feelings during summer. In fact, there’s a name for it in the workplace: the “summer slump”. 

What is the Summer Slump?

As the sun shines brighter and temperatures rise, it’s common for many of us to experience a dip in motivation known as the “summer slump”. We endure months of snow, sub-zero temperatures, and packing on several layers just to get from the front door to the car. So, during summer, long-awaited vacations, outdoor activities, and a more relaxed atmosphere can make it challenging for businesses to maintain productivity. 

In fact, some studies show that as temperatures go up, cognitive performance goes down, and we may feel sleepy or have difficulty concentrating when it’s humid. However, with a proactive approach and effective strategies, there are some ways to keep teams engaged.

3 Strategies to Beat the Summer Slump

Sitting at a desk and staring out the window on a sunny day can lead to some serious FOMO (‘fear of missing out’). Here are some ways to keep employees motivated while making the most of Canadian summers that never seem to last long enough:

• Seasonal Office Space: During winter, there are fewer options when it comes to outdoor activities, so it’s natural for us to want to make the most of the nicer weather during summer. Consider taking work outside by creating outdoor workspaces with Wi-Fi access, comfortable seating, and share. This enables employees to enjoy the summer weather while working, which can help boost mood and productivity. If creating an outdoor workspace isn’t an option, consider transforming indoor offices into a vibrant and refreshing space that aligns with the summer season. Allow natural light to flow in, introduce plants, and decorate with summer-themed elements. Whether indoors or outdoors, a pleasant work environment can boost morale and help employees stay motivated.
  
• Summer Schedules: A number of businesses have implemented ‘summer hours’ to be more flexible. For example, consider offering half-days or shorter work hours on Fridays to provide more time for leisure activities. Recent studies have shown that a four-day workweek may actually reduce stress without impacting productivity. Offering flexible work hours or remote work options can provide employees with the opportunity to balance work and personal activities, helping them maintain motivation and alleviate the feeling of missing out. Recognize that employees need time to recharge and enjoy the summer season. Encourage them to strike a healthy work-life balance by allowing flexible schedules, remote work options, or shorter workweeks. Empower them to manage their time effectively while ensuring work responsibilities are met.
  
• Employee Events: Consider boosting community engagement by organizing volunteer activities and events, allowing employees to give back while fostering team bonding and a sense of purpose. Summer events or summer-centric perks, such as outdoor picnics, company-sponsored sports events, or wellness challenges related to summer activities can also boost employee morale. Create friendly competitions or challenges among teams to make work more engaging. Set team goals, organize interdepartmental challenges, or introduce platforms where employees can earn points or badges for completing tasks or meeting targets.

Embracing the Summer Slump

Perhaps one of the best ways to address the summer slump is to embrace it. Acknowledge that the change in season may lead to some distractions, and this is often a time for employees to take a vacation and recharge so they can return feeling refreshed and energized to tackle ongoing projects and deadlines.  Every team is different, so it’s important to tailor strategies to meet the needs and preferences of your workforce. Regular communication, listening to employees, and gathering feedback can help you identify the most effective ways of beating the summer slump. 

Suggested Reading

The New Yorker: Why Summer Makes Us Lazy

Fast Company: Why You Should Embrace Being Less Productive in the Summer

Additional Resources

Harvard Business School: Blue Skies, Distractions Arise: How Weather Affects Productivity

Captivate Office Pulse Finds Summer Hours are Bad for Business