British summertime may not be famed for its high temperatures, but with the number of heatwaves sweeping the country rising in recent years, it’s important that employers are taking more of an interest in this season’s weather conditions. The satisfaction and wellbeing of employees will go hand-in-hand with staff retention levels, and with a healthy and happy workforce more likely to display improved productivity, there’s every reason to consider both the emotional and physical needs of your team in the summer.
As temperatures rise, the ability to concentrate will undoubtedly diminish for office workers, and that means managers and business owners should be employing new ideas into the workplace for maximising the comfort of staff members. That’s why today, we’re taking a look at a handful of ways that you can ensure that your team is left in a good mood during the summer months - so your business can continue to thrive during warmer climates.
1. Ensure that your office design suits the season
From colour psychology to the ease of accessing equipment, the design of an office will greatly impact on the mood and behaviour of your employees - which is why spring cleaning your office ahead of the hotter season is so important. With temperatures heating up, simplicity should rule the summertime setup in your workplace, so avoid a cramped and overcrowded office space by stripping back heavy rugs to expose your wooden flooring and allow the natural light in. Similarly, ensuring that there’s sufficient ventilation, air conditioning and suitable desk chairs and other furniture in your office or boardroom will mean that you can pitch ideas to clients in a temperate, comfortable environment - and these pleasant conditions will make it more likely that you’ll be able to secure a successful outcome.
2. Offer the prospect of flextime
While the traditional office desk format will ensure productivity in the workplace throughout the year, the short lifetime of the British summertime means that many of us will want to take full advantage of the sun while it lasts - a prospect which can seem unfeasible for many office workers. With flexibility being a priority for most millennials, companies across the globe have adapted their office furniture to suit the needs of each employee - and the same should go for their working hours. Gone are the days of the traditional 9-5, and with flextime fast-becoming the predominant way of working in contemporary offices, offering employees the chance to take the afternoon off and make up the time on a cooler day means that your team is more likely to feel valued by the company - which could mean a boost in staff retention levels.
3. Relax the dress code during heatwaves
The well-being and working conditions of staff will be the primary concern for any responsible business owner, and that means that as temperatures rise, it’s important to consider ways in which you can increase comfort without compromising the professional atmosphere in the office. Offering staff the option of adopting a more relaxed business casual dress code during the hotter months means that employees will be able to continue to work productively but in more pleasant conditions - so your business can continue to function effectively.
4. Treat your team to refreshing snacks
While air conditioning will be welcomed by each and every member of staff, showing a token of appreciation to your team will no doubt make spending the long, hot summer days in the office seem worthwhile. From cooling ice lollies to refreshing fruit baskets, bringing your employees unexpected treats during the hotter months will boost staff morale, meaning you can ensure that productivity levels continue to peak during the summer months.
5. Get the whole team involved
The end of year work Christmas party may be one of the most long-awaited events on your team’s professional calendar, but with high temperatures and later nights, there’s no shortage of opportunities for businesses to get their team socialising during the summertime. Building a positive company culture is crucial for ensuring the productivity of your employees, and that means that arranging outdoor charity sporting events and departmental barbecues are a great idea during this season. Taking full advantage of the warmer weather means that staff members who are working through the season can escape the office and enjoy the sun while it’s here, and by getting the whole office involved, you’ll be able to show each member of your team just how much you value them.
From comfortable office chairs to a more relaxed dress code, there are countless ways to ensure that your employees can continue to function in the most effective way during the sunnier season. Each member of your team will have their own unique way of working, which is why offering versatility in the office is essential. Want to find out what kind of team member you are? Try our interactive quiz online today to find out!
Guest post: Jim Laird