Lighter load in summer months may boost morale

700

I work for a small business as a supervisor. We have 75 employees who are very dedicated and we work hard all year. A few of us were talking recently about how hard it is to concentrate during the summer months. We live in Michigan and when summer comes, it's hard to come to work when it's so nice outside.

We were trying to think of some things that we could do that would be fun to do in the summer and would relieve the stress and routine of a heavy production schedule. We don't know what is customary and if we would be setting any precedents if we started something and then later regretted it.

We decided to write to you to ask what other companies do during the summer. Any advice?

During the beautiful months of the year the last thing you want to do is complete a report or finish a project.. It's easy for minds to wander out the windows of your business and into the sunshine. That's why so many companies are starting to incorporate a little fun into the job during the summer months. And they're finding it brings a boost to morale and even productivity.

You might want to ask for some input from a cross-section of employees to decide what direction to take. One approach is to set some parameters upfront, such as customer service coverage requirements and budget constraints. Then ask for some ideas within those boundaries. What you will probably discover is that different people like different things. For instance, some people won't want to spend any more time with their co-workers than they have to, some people won't like picnics, while still others will argue about the value of a company outing. The key is to offer a few choices so that people can opt for some activities that match up with their preferences and lifestyles. Here are some ideas:

1.      For instance, even the most conservative companies are bending the dress code. Who wants to wear a tie or panty hose when it's 85 degrees? Casual dress is becoming the norm during the summer months. Even Wall Street firms often lift their necktie requirements.

2.      "Summer hours" are also gaining in popularity. Employees are given choices about how to structure their day, as long as they have coverage for customers and get the job done. Sometimes they start earlier in the day or even work shorter hours for less pay. Many close on Fridays at noon.

3.      Midweek picnics or barbecues are also a great way to take advantage of the summer and double as good social mixers and stress relievers. In one company I know, the management cooks burgers and hot dogs for the rest of the employees. When you throw in a game of volleyball or baseball, a little teambuilding is a great side benefit.

4.      Lunch time is a good time to encourage people to go outside, since their minds are wandering there anyway. Many employers encourage employees to start walking or jogging clubs. And some even have brown bag seminars or book club meetings outside during the lunch hour.

5.      Summer picnics and outings such as baseball games are a tradition in many companies. It gives everyone a chance to meet family members and socialize.

6.      Planning retreats are a growing trend in some companies. The setting for the retreat is often a nice resort with a golf course or other amenities. Sometimes spouses are invited to join the group on the last day. Often, boating, golf, spas and other services help to combine business and pleasure.

One thing is clear; with summers so short in many parts of the country, companies who take advantage of the season, rather than fight against the fun of it, create healthier workplaces in the process.

86 TIPS FOR MORE FUN & LESS STRESS

Good managers know that employee satisfaction is essential to healthy teamwork, initiative and productivity.  Joan Lloyd’s booklet, 86 Creative Ideas for Having More Fun & Less Stress at Work, is packed with ideas for building employee satisfaction and work/life balance while reducing stress in your workplace.  Guaranteed to give you fresh ideas any company can implement in categories such as: Fun with a Purpose, Building a Family Atmosphere & a Sense of Community, Having Fun at Work for the Sake of Fun, Rewarding Great Performance & Stress Busters!  Also available by return email, in PDF format!