Though it seemed like winter might never end in Michigan this year, it is really and truly finally summertime. Especially with such a long, cold winter you may be seeing your employees start to feel cabin fever and the hot, lazy days of summer are driving them to stop concentrating and get outside. It is important to engage your employees in the summertime. Here are some tips.
- Summer Hours. More than anything your employees want time to enjoy the weather, spend time with their families, and not have to think about work. There are many ways you can implement summer hours and it doesn’t have to impact your production. Consider closing early on Friday afternoons. Or, offer employees the opportunity to work 4 10-hour days. Stagger the schedule if you need to ensure office coverage.
- Outdoor lunch breaks. Create an opportunity for your staff to get outside and be social. Host a barbeque or a picnic once a week. Have games and activities to get your team moving while they’re outside.
- Host a summer party. A summer party, either on a Saturday or over a weekend, can be a great way to make your employees happy. Encourage them to bring a guest and enjoy some personal time with their co-workers. Plan fun activities but don’t over plan, give your team some time to relax and enjoy each other’s company.
- Unexpected events. Do something that no one will expect. Bring a massage therapist in for the day. Have a Margarita party at 4pm on a Friday. Run contests for fun prizes like movie tickets or a trip to the local amusement park. Reward employees spontaneously for something not entirely related to their performance like “best parking job” or “most kid drawings decorating the cube.”
- Volunteer in your community. Engagement is a two way street. If you are engaged with your community then your employees will be engaged with you. Talk to your team about what causes they feel passionate about. Then set up time for a volunteer project. Or, if you can’t afford the time away from the office, offer your team a chance to pay $2 a week to wear jeans on Friday. The money can go to the local charity of choice each month.
Are you looking for more creative ways to engage your employees this summer? Contact Harvard Resource solutions for more ideas.
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