We all know that there is an inextricable link during the summer time between the long, sunny days and the productivity period. People tend to want to spend much more time outdoors and enjoy the day, not working in a stale office. And really, who can blame them?
But, just because summer has started, work doesn’t automatically disappear. So, how do we counter our intense desire to run free in the sun and stay motivated at work?
Josh York wrote an article for Inc.com that inspired us to promote a ‘work hard, play hard’ mentality.
- “Give Your Team the Time Off They Deserve” An important thing to remember is that summertime brings opportunity for vacation. Maybe the kids are out of school and demanding attention or it’s just time to get away from the routine. Either way, your employees are itching for some fresh air. There are a cluster of holidays during this time period and your people are going to want those days for their family and friends. Think Labor Day, Memorial Day, 4th of July. With that comes more time off requests, so make sure you plan ahead. Your company might not slow down, but your team will need some recharge time every once and awhile. They will most likely be asking for vacation time, so you MUST communicate with each other. After they get back from their time off, they will be ready to get down to business. When you plan these days off farther in advance, it gives you and the rest of your team time to prepare to pick up the slack. That way, numbers stay consistent.
- “Leave the Office” Mental block is a very real thing. Sometimes we just can’t seem to get our brains to work the way we want to. To combat that, go outside! Leave the office for a hot minute. There is nothing more defeating than sitting at your desk with absolutely nothing productive happening. It’s frustrating, right? The best way to get over the slump is to take a quick break to recharge and then get back to work. It’s a great way to clear the mind. Take a mid-day break with the team that way you all get some time to decompress AND you are building up the team dynamic. It’s win-win. Maybe take a team lunch or a nice walk in the sun.
- “Focus on Culture” Creating a culture of success is SO important. Focusing on people is the absolute best way to foster a strong company culture! Many companies nowadays are placing a much larger emphasis on its employees and their role in achieving success. It’s a smart idea to plan summer outings for the team. It’s a great way to strengthen the company culture. Do something fun (maybe a nice outdoor activity) that allows for creativity and communication. It’s a good place to bounce ideas off of each other. When employees really believe in the company, they will work much harder to produce great work.
- “Ensure Priorities Are In Check” Collaboration really is essential for a company to succeed. Most people need some interaction with others in order to get the work done. It’s all a collaborative, team effort. When working with your team, ensure that everyone has the right priorities in line. You want to align you and your team with the mission statement in order to achieve your goals! Surround yourself with the RIGHT people– the people who share the same work values. It will go a long way in motivating each other.
Of course in an ideal world, we’d all be sipping fancy cocktails with little umbrellas on the beach somewhere, but the real world beckons. These simple tips will help everyone stay motivated during the summer months (and beyond)! Make your company a place people enjoy working and they will be productive members of the team. Let us know your tricks for motivation!
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