When the summer season reaches its peak, managers often struggle to keep employee morale intact while pushing project deadlines, enforcing dress codes, and encouraging workers to maintain regular hours. When employees become distracted by vacation plans and weekend trips to the beach, what can managers do to sustain productivity without cracking down and turning a small problem into a serious one?

If you’re in this position, and you’re trying to corral wandering minds and keep the influence of the summer at bay, start by focusing on what employees want from you. Then find ways to accommodate those desires without letting productivity slide.  

Give Employees What They Want

Survey data suggests that during the months of June and July, employees develop a strong interest in schedule flexibility. Consider offering “summer hours,” in which you allow workers to take a half day on Friday if they stay an extra hour Monday through Thursday. You can customize this arrangement to meet the needs of your workplace; for example, some employees offer a day off every other Friday in exchange for extra hours during the interim days. And some simply offer early exits on summer Fridays without asking for any time in return. The more flexible you are with your summer scheduling, the more you’ll reap the benefits in high morale and on-the-clock dedication.

Ease up on your enforcement of the dress code. Implement a casual Friday plan if you don’t have one already. And on Monday through Thursday, don’t crack down too harshly on minor seasonal dress code violations. Your employees will appreciate your flexibility.

Allow productive employees to work from home when they need to. Just make sure you stay in touch with them throughout the day and keep an eye on their progress. And be selective, fair, and careful about how you distribute this privilege. Don’t let too many employees with overlapping responsibilities leave the site at once, and make sure you aren’t too lax with newer workers or those who haven’t yet proven themselves.

Maintain a firm policy regarding vacation planning and notification. Make sure you don’t accidently allow a scheduling situation in which one worker is left to handle the work of several while they leave for overlapping vacations. Be generous with respect, praise, and gratitude for all employees who hold down the fort, keep consistent hours, and resist the temptations of the season.

Need more guidance on maintaining summer productivity? Reach out to the Houston, TX HR pros at Expert Staffing. We can help you boost morale and get the most out of your talented staff during any season of the year.