Summer months at the office can be challenging. Most employees are either on vacation or thinking about what outdoor activities they wish they were participating in. Because motivation and productivity are important, you need to provide additional incentives for employees to stay focused and complete their projects.

1. Work Outdoors

Allow employees to work and hold meetings outside. Being in natural light improves communication, reduces stress, and lowers blood pressure. Plus, enjoying fresh air and sunshine increases productivity and employee morale.

2. Offer a Flexible Schedule

Give flexibility in work hours. Perhaps your employees can come in late or work remotely one day each week or work a half day on Fridays. Having greater control over their work schedule means employees have more time to enjoy the outdoors.

3. Implement Casual Dress Day

Offer Casual Dress Day on Fridays. Let employees wear t-shirts, shorts, and flip-flops to the office. You may even suggest themed dress days, such as Hawaiian Day, to add to the fun. Your employees will feel more relaxed and complete more tasks.

4. Set Up a Company Event

Set up an outdoor company event. You might arrange a barbeque, golf outing, theme park visit, or baseball game. Perhaps you could host Summer Friday gatherings where employees can mingle and recharge. Maybe host a company party at the office or a manager’s home. In any case, your employees will appreciate the camaraderie and be more motivated to return to work on Monday.

5. Provide Additional Recognition

Give extra recognition to employees who cover for colleagues away from the office. For instance, give the employee a hand-written thank-you note expressing your appreciation for temporarily taking over. Or, have a conversation to express thanks for going above and beyond to help out. Or provide the employee with a gift card to their favorite restaurant to further show your gratitude. Enter those employees in a drawing to win an additional paid day off or tickets to a summer concert, movie, or sporting event.

6. Reward Perfect Attendance

Give rewards for each summer month that an employee has perfect attendance. You may set a price point and offer a gift card to the restaurant, store, or other destination of the employee’s choice. They will be more inclined to show up for work each day and perform their best.

7. Arrange a Company Team for a Charity Event

Organize a company team to participate in a local charity event. There are a variety of walk/runs in major cities every summer. In addition to being a proud corporate sponsor, your employees may be given a day off to help set up and/or run or participate in the event. You build the cohesiveness of your team while supporting the local community.

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