7 Tips for Summertime Productivity

Summer has set in and although we really don’t feel like working, most of us still have to.  So how do we manage to be productive and efficient in the summer months when we would prefer to be at the beach?  According to research from Captivate, during the summer months productivity decreases by 20% and workers are 45% more distracted.  Knowing that, you need to plan ways to engage your employees for greater productivity.

Be Creative  Let’s face it we have all been there. Give your staff a break!  Think creatively about how you can motivate your employees. Research has shown that when management empathizes with how their employees are feeling, employees are happier and more productive. 

Trust your Employees  Know that they 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 interpersonal trust, create the most committed and productive employees. Your most productive employees are the result of a combination of trust and support.

Be Flexible with time and days worked.  Allow employees to leave work early or come in later.  If it is not possible to institute a company-wide policy, give your managers the freedom to offer it at their discretion.

Fun Atmosphere  Take your team to lunch, bring in breakfast, have an afternoon party. Creating a fun atmosphere at work, according to research increases creativity, productivity and motivation.  The summer months are a perfect time to test out new programs.

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 offer summer Friday’s, employees will then have the time and leeway to work on projects that they typically can't fit in.    

Workshops Offer new and interesting workshops for your employees. Ask your employees what topics would interest them. Perhaps it is workshop on a new exercise program, healthy eating, work-life balance or an introduction to mindfulness.

Team Meetings Use the summer months to shake up the meetings.  Do things differently.  Ask for feedback and communicate openly.  What is working, not working and suggestions that they may have.  Have the team meetings in a location outside of the office. Maybe at someone’s beach house or over lunch at a restaurant.

Summer is the time when most people try to relax, spend time vacationing and recharge their batteries.  Enjoy this summer Friday!    

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