Having trouble keeping your team engaged as the days get warmer? Try these simple tricks to maintain a productive workplace while still taking advantage of the summer weather.
Offer Outdoor Workspaces
First, consider implementing outdoor workspaces. If you have any available patios or greenspaces on your property, make sure you use these spaces and encourage employees to spend time there. Revamping these spaces with shaded seating, power outlets, and Wi-Fi access will make these spaces more computer-friendly and more functional for the workday.
This will encourage your employees to get outside into the fresh air, not to mention that the change of scenery will help them reenergize during the workday. Consider moving meetings out into these spaces as well!
“Walking” Meetings
If your office space does not have access to an outdoor space, but is within walking distance of a park or even a coffee shop, take advantage of this and hold “walking meetings” when available. A walking meeting quite simply involves taking your meetings out of the offices and boardrooms in which they are normally held, and taking them outside where you are able to “walk and talk.” Not only has this practice been shown to improve problem-solving and decision making, but it will also provide many of the benefits which come along with outdoor workspaces.
Team Building
Outside of these tips which can help beat summer sluggishness during the regular workday, take advantage of the better weather by hosting outdoor team-building events. Holding an outdoor picnic with group activities can help improve group cohesion and productivity. Such an event helps team members to better get to know one another, and a fun activity, such as a scavenger hunt, will give the group an opportunity to become much more comfortable problem-solving as a group.
Implementing flexible summer hours is also an option for keeping employee engagement high. Summer hours at many businesses are popular and productive for employees. Giving your employees the opportunity for a little bit of extra flexibility in their busy schedules can boost happiness.
