7 Secrets to Staying Motivated During the Summer Months

Staying Motivated in the Summer

This article was also posted in Stilettos on the Glass Ceiling - SOTGC.  Leading Career site for women.

It is the start to another fun and enjoyable summer. You can’t wait for it to begin. But how do you juggle working and being productive when you would much prefer to be at the beach?
According to research, productivity decreases by 20%, and workers are 41% more distracted during the summer months.  With that in mind, the following are ways to be more engaged and productive during the summer months.
Motivate and Create
Give your staff a break!  Get creative and think of ways to motivate and shake up the usual routine. If you have weekly meetings, plan to have them in different locations or perhaps even outside. Communicate to your staff that you also feel the excitement of summer and understand that it is harder to motivate yourself. When managers empathize with how their employees are feeling, employees are happier and more productive.
Trust
Trust that your employees will get the job done, even when the atmosphere is a bit more relaxed.  According to a Harvard Business study, workplaces that provide positive environments that foster trust create the most committed and productive employees. Your best employees are the result of a combination of trust and support. 

Flexible
The one thing that most employees enjoy is flexibility. Fifty percent of millennials say that flexible work hours and location are key to being more satisfied with their job. Allow employees to leave work early, come in later, and even work from home. If it is not possible to institute a company-wide policy, give your managers the freedom to offer it at their discretion.

Fun and Enjoyable  
Take your team to lunch, bring in breakfast, or have an afternoon gathering instead of a typical meeting. Creating a fun atmosphere at work increases creativity, performance, and motivation.
Test out a new program that you normally wouldn’t have time for during your busier months. Offer new and interesting workshops. Perhaps an exercise or mindfulness training, healthy eating or volunteer program that creates a positive and healthy culture.

Prioritize Big Projects
Research has shown that during the beginning of the week, workers are more productive. Plan for larger projects to be due earlier in the week. If you have summer Friday’s, let Friday’s be the day that employees do wrap up or less important work that doesn’t require as much time and effort.

Meetings
Use the summer months to move outside your comfort zone.  Do things differently.  Ask for feedback and communicate openly.  Ask what is working, not working, and take suggestions that they may have.  Let a different team member run the meeting each time. When you give employees new responsibilities, it allows them to shine and show off their leadership skills.

Vacations
Encourage your employees to take a vacation and NOT to check in with the office.Don’t be part of the 37% of managers that expect their employees to check in while on vacation. Everyone needs time to rejuvenate and relax, so they are ready to come back and work.

Work Perks
Give your employees the option of summer work perks. Consider offering summer Friday’s, casual dress, flexible hours, working from home, or a company picnic. Hire summer interns for added help and longer lunch hours. Empower your employees and let them know you trust them.

Summer is the time when most people try to relax, spend time with family and friends, and recharge their batteries.  Remember, an employee that is relaxed and clear minded is more productive, happier, and satisfied at work.

---