Summer is upon us, and while we all love the sunny days and vacation vibes, keeping employees engaged during this season can feel like trying to keep ice cream from melting in the sun. Here are five top strategies to keep your team motivated and engaged all summer long.
Summer heat and formal wear? Not the best combo. If you work in an office with a strict dress code, consider adding casual days to the calendar.
Why It Works: When employees feel comfortable, they’re happier and more productive. Plus, it adds a bit of fun to the workweek!
How to Implement:
Pick a Theme: Go beyond just casual Fridays. Try “Tropical Tuesdays” or “Beachwear Wednesdays” where employees can sport Hawaiian shirts or summer dresses.
Set Guidelines: Make sure everyone understands what’s appropriate to keep the vibe professional yet relaxed.
Get Creative: Encourage a fun competition for the best summer outfit and offer small prizes to winners.
For outdoor or field-based teams, consider allowing employees to wear relaxed uniforms or branded casual wear suitable for the weather. For remote workers, you can encourage casual attire during video meetings or virtual team gatherings to create a more relaxed atmosphere. If your team is frequently on the move, provide branded polo shirts or lightweight uniforms that offer comfort without sacrificing professionalism.
Inject some fun into the office atmosphere with summer-themed events that get everyone excited.
Why It Works: These events break the monotony and create a sense of community and camaraderie among employees.
How to Implement:
Outdoor Activities: Set up a grill in the office parking lot or nearby park. Include games like cornhole or a water balloon toss. You can also organize picnics or team hikes. For example, at BerniePortal, team members often run local races together!
Ice Cream Social: Rent an ice cream truck or set up an ice cream bar in the break room. Sweet surprises like these can make a real difference in your team’s day.
Virtual Vacation: For remote teams, host a virtual vacation day where employees can share travel stories, photos, and favorite summer recipes via video call during the last hour of the day.
Summer is the perfect time for employees to recharge. Encourage them to take their well-deserved vacation days without feeling guilty about it.
Why It Works: Rested employees return with more energy and creativity, which boosts overall productivity.
How to Implement:
Who says learning has to stop in the summer? Keep minds engaged with fun and interesting development programs.
Why It Works: Continuous learning keeps employees motivated and invested in their growth. By providing these opportunities, you show employees that you care about their career growth and development, which can increase job satisfaction and loyalty. Employees who feel supported in their professional development are more likely to stay engaged and perform at their best, even when they would rather be at the beach.
How to Implement:
If feasible for your business and industry, I also recommend allotting an hour or two each week in the summer for employees to work on what they want for their professional development. It shows that you value your workforce’s personal achievements, and that you make space for them.
Summer is a great time to elevate health and wellness initiatives at your organization. Healthy employees are happier, more engaged, and experience fewer health-related issues, ultimately reducing absenteeism and boosting workplace productivity.
Why It Works: Wellness programs boost physical and mental health, which are essential to individual and organizational success.
How to Implement:
Implementing these strategies can keep your employees engaged and motivated throughout the summer months. Remember, a happy and engaged workforce is a productive one. Start planning your summer engagement strategies today and watch your team thrive.
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