5 Great Ways to Increase Morale This Summer

By Jezabel Southard

Posted on July 14, 2014

Ah, summer. Warm weather, fresh breezes, and the promise of vacation and weekend fun all hang in the air…and threaten to distract employees from their focus on work. Employers who seize the opportunities that summer offers, however, grab the chance to increase morale rather than lose these valuable months.

Here are five great ways to keep employee morale high in summer:

  1. Set up a loyalty program or family fun discounts with local retailers. Connecting with local retailers to offer loyalty programs or discounts to your employees doesn’t have to cost your company a dime, and it can be a great way to deepen your connections with the local business community as well as a way to show your employees that belonging to your team has value. For example, if your employees tend to frequent a handful of local restaurants at lunch, contact the businesses to see if they’re willing to offer a discount to your employees or set up weekly specials. You let your employees know where the local deal is, and supply and demand does the rest.
  2. Combine outdoor fun with giving back. Start or extend your company’s charitable giving by encouraging employees to take part in one or more of the many charity events that occur outdoors in summer – or to start their own. Forming a team for a charity race or walk-a-thon or holding a carnival or car wash for charity demonstrates your company’s interest in giving back and gives your employees the chance to have some outdoor fun while also strengthening their personal bonds and enjoying the summer weather.
  3. Host “lunch and learn” sessions – outdoors when the weather cooperates. Your employees are good at what they do – but chances are, they’re good at other things as well. Perhaps the sales team are avid boaters, or your receptionist is writing a novel in the evenings. Find local experts to come in and share their passions, while you encourage employees to attend. Invite employees to bring their lunches, or supply the food. It’s a great break that boosts creativity while maintaining the flow of the workday.
  4. Encourage telecommuting, and provide the tools to make it happen. In the summer, many employees want to duck out of work early for family-related events, from barbecues to summer softball tournaments. Technology has made it possible for these workers to stay in touch with the office and even accomplish tasks while they’re cheering on their star Little Leaguer or enjoying some cold lemonade on the beach. By providing your team with the tools to telecommute, you can keep morale high without sacrificing productivity.
  5. Consider “summer hours.” You may want a steady 40 hours a week of productive work from your team members – but it may not have to be spread out over the traditional five 8-hour days. Consider allowing employees the option to work four 10-hour days to gain a day off in a work week, or to work 80 hours over nine days to gain a day off every other week. It’s time that will boost morale without reducing productive work hours.

At TERRA Staffing, our experienced recruiters in Seattle and Portland can help you make the most of summer to boost morale in the short term, while also looking for the people you need to keep motivation and productivity high all year long. Contact us today to learn more!

Categories: Employee Engagement Ideas, HR and Management Advice

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