Keeping Employees Motivated in the Summer Months (from HR360)

The warm weather and eagerly anticipated outdoor activities of summer may take a toll on your workers' concentration. If you're noticing a lack of focus among your employees during this time of year, consider the following ideas to help keep them motivated:

1. Encourage your employees to step outside for at least 15 minutes each day. Exposure to natural sunlight can prevent workers from feeling confined to the office during the warm summer months. Holding business meetings outside may also help to boost workers' morale.
2. Change things up! Employees may become more motivated when their jobs are more challenging and interesting. Consider lateral moves to build your workers' skill levels and knowledge base.
3. Create opportunities for casual interaction. A company sports team, a family day or an outdoor after-hours social event can keep your employees engaged and interested in each other and in their workplace.
4. Consider flexible working arrangements. Arrangements such as flextime or staggered work hours may allow employees to enjoy summer activities and attend to family obligations, while coming to work refreshed. It's a good idea for employers to work with a knowledgeable employment law attorney when creating policies on flexible working arrangements, to ensure policies and practices are in compliance with the law and do not unlawfully discriminate against certain employees.