Summers can be a drag for office workers, stuck inside all day while the sun is shining and temperatures soar. As an employer, you need employees to be on the top of their game all year round, so finding ways to keep employees comfortable, motivated and focused during summer is crucial.
Fortunately, there are plenty of ways to achieve this, keeping employee morale strong and productivity high. Talking to your employees about what they need can also be beneficial to ensure that you meet the needs of as many as possible.
Get A Water Cooler
Hydration is vital all year round, but even more important during hotter days when we can get dehydrated much easier. A water cooler is a great way to ensure your team has constant access to ice-cold water, perfect for keeping them hydrated throughout summer. It also gives them a chance to stretch their legs and take a quick break for a chat around the water cooler.
Allow Flexibility
When the weather is at its hottest, allowing employees flexibility around their hours can be invaluable. This can allow them more time to enjoy the nicer weather or give them the chance to get their commutes out of the way before the hottest part of the day. Being flexible with working hours can be the best way to boost employee morale and keep productivity flowing.
Mobile Air Conditioner
For those days that get truly sweltering, desktop or freestanding fans might not cut it. Investing in permanent air conditioning can be costly, and it may only get used a handful of days in the year. This is why a mobile air conditioner can be the ideal choice for the office, allowing targeted air conditioning with minimal energy use. Read this post by The Dantherm Group to find out more about the benefits of mobile air conditioning.
Relax The Dress Code
There’s nothing worse than having to come to work in full professional attire in the sweltering heat. If your dress code is usually the smarter end of smart-casual, you could consider relaxing this when the weather is at its hottest. This could be allowing short-sleeved shirts and no ties or just letting employees choose what they will be most comfortable wearing.
Bring In Some Greenery
Greenery in the office can have a massive impact on morale, making people more energised and upbeat than in drab office surroundings. Even fake plants have been known to have a soothing and mood-enhancing effect on workers. You could invest in some high-quality artificial plants or choose some low-maintenance options like succulents.
Work Outside
If your team are lamenting missing out on the beautiful weather, you could consider finding a way that you could all work outside. You could invest in a signal booster for your company wifi and work from a nearby green location. If you have grass or space near to your offices, you could invest in picnic benches that will allow employees to do their work outside while enjoying the summer sun.
By Anita Jaynes
