How to Keep Your Employees Engaged This Summer
Summer is a relaxing time, often when employees take a vacation. Falling into a lull with warmer weather and the pull to get outside can be easy. It’s a season when employees often have activities outside of work that pull their attention like kids being home from school and summer sports. So how can you keep employees engaged this summer? Here are four ways you help employees stay connected to their work.
Plan a company event
Take advantage of the weather as a company. Now is the perfect time to plan something fun for everyone. Invite employees to bring their families by planning a Family Fun Day. Create an event for charity like a BBQ tasting (the winner gets a certain amount donated to charity) or a community garden. Come up with three to four ideas and survey employees. Let them decide which one they would most like to participate in. Make it an annual event that everyone looks forward to.
Incorporate wellness
Warmer months naturally encourage employees to get outside. Make it a company-wide practice by encouraging wellness. Implement walking during lunchtime or buy smoothies for everyone on the second and fourth Fridays of the month. Make a fitness fun program and give away fun prizes to employees who prioritize moving during the week. Bring a speaker for a mental health seminar at the end of summer to equip employees to start the fall off with tools to reduce stress and increase resilience.
Encourage time off
According to Forbes, 31% of employees do not have access to PTO. This approach is a recipe for burnout. Summer is an opportunity for you to show employees that you care about them as a person, not simply as human capital. Encourage employees to take time off. Allow them to prioritize spending time with friends and family. Time off gives your workers the mental break they need to come back to the office refreshed and productive. Don’t expect them to answer their phones or emails when they are off. Set an example by also using your own PTO and prioritizing your own wellness.
allow flexibility
On a similar note, if you can offer flexibility in scheduling your employees will appreciate it. Consider allowing them to work a four-day week or flex time if they need it off. If you can offer a remote or hybrid option this may help them juggle responsibilities at home and at work. Remember, your employees are humans too. Even as you ask them to meet deadlines and hit benchmarks, remember they need grace and understanding.
Want to increase retention?
Did you know employee engagement plays a huge role in retention? Employees are far more likely to stay with you long-term when they feel engaged and appreciated. If you are in a management rut or simply want to improve, Source One offers HR consulting to help you increase engagement and retention. Our experts have years of experience and can help you find the solutions you need to attract and keep the best talent. Contact our office today!