As soon as nature’s clock strikes summer, our minds tend to wander elsewhere. We stray away from to-do lists to thoughts of sand between our toes and packing our bags for glorious sunshine.
Even without a holiday scribbled onto the calendar, the urge to get outside into warmer weather can be quite distracting. So, as the summer months approach, here are our top tips on helping staff stay focused.
Encourage more time with Mother Nature
The effects of natural elements and interior design on productivity, motivation and workplace wellbeing are well cited. We all know that bringing a bit of the great outdoors in can do wonders when it comes to output and creativity.
However, when the sun has got his hat on, take this to the next level and consider things like walking meetings, outdoor working and more collaborative brainstorming sessions al fresco.
Soak up some vitamin D, breathe in some fresh air and absorb the benefits of natural light – just don’t forget your sunscreen!
Keep them cool to keep them keen
This might sound like a bit of a no-brainer but controlling temperatures indoors as they climb outside is essential for a productive workforce.
Being too hot at the desk leads to frustration and a lack of concentration which will subsequently impact overall wellbeing.
Crack the windows, invest in some office fans, and permit working outdoors where possible. Don’t forget to encourage good hydration levels by providing plenty of access to drinking water.
Allow them to take advantage of flexible working
For staff with parental responsibilities, summer means school holidays. Six long weeks of trying to find entertainment for kids. While this is great for the little ones, it can be a huge source of stress for parents who work full time.
So, during the summer holidays, consider implementing a flexible working strategy to allow staff a bit of wiggle room around their working hours and locations.
Flexible working may be something you permit all year round but just remember that it will be particularly helpful this time of year.
Loosen the reigns just a little
A popular way to bring a bit of sunshine into the workplace during the warmer months is to implement early finishes every Friday from July to the end of August.
It means staff can take advantage of the lighter nights and will boost morale and motivation back at the desk.
What tactics will you be implementing this summer to ensure your staff stay on the ball? Let us know in the comments below or by sharing your thoughts with us over on Twitter or Facebook!
