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!    

As published on People-Results.com on June 3, 2015

We all know that one of the essential keys to a successful organization is having great teams. But great teams don’t just happen. Great teams are created when true leaders are involved. So what are the basic elements that a leader needs to have to inspire their team to be more productive, creative and perform optimally?

The building blocks of a great organization are not only based on knowledge but the ability of a leader to stop and think about the employees.

Remember back to some of the best leaders that you had. What stood out? What made them different? When leaders possess these qualities, the business runs smoothly. Employees thrive and give their best. The atmosphere is one of success.

Listening and Taking Steps

Did you know that listening is one of the most important components to good communication? When a boss listens intently to what you are saying and actually hears you, there is a real difference. But the key is not just listening intently. A true leader takes steps and action on what was said. You know they heard you and care. Not every response is what you might want to hear but it is the little steps, such as an email or a phone call as follow up, that makes the difference. Leaders don’t provide lip service they listen and take action.

Sharing Something Personal

Connection is paramount whether it is in a large group or intimate setting. It is the ability to be vulnerable and show a side of you that is human. Don’t be afraid to share and connect something personal about yourself. This does not mean that you have to be an open book and share your deepest secrets but something personal. When someone realizes that you also have a life outside of work and that everything doesn’t always run smoothly, they make a connection and the relatability factor ensues. Perhaps it is a child or health issue or even a story when you had a similar experience. Opening to others builds trust.

Taking a Bold Step

Courage is vital for a productive work environment. Courage takes many forms not only physical but mental endurance. It is about taking a stand against an issue, a bold step that may have some push back, and the fortitude to make a decision based not only on your head but also your gut. Success is not a straight path. But it takes courage to make twist and turns along the way that allow you to grow and be respected.

Decisions and Innovation Occur

Positivity and fun in the workplace may seem frivolous but think back to your most productive times. Was it when you were stressed and unhappy? Or was it was when you were relaxed and enjoying yourself. Decisions come easier and innovation occurs. Studies have shown that when employees are valued, engaged and enjoy the workplace, productivity and retention increase and stress is reduced. It is not about having a party everyday but creating a culture of trust, that if your employees have fun they also have pride in their work and want to do a good job.

We are all human and have stressful days. But when you take the time to stop and listen, the basics are what’s needed.

- See more at: http://www.people-results.com/secrets-thriving-organizations/#sthash.QGBfTqL1.dpuf