Summertime and the livin’ are easy.
Not exactly when you have to stick to your 9-5 work schedule.
And if you live in Phoenix, AZ, you already know that almost every day in summer is a scorcher.
Heat can significantly affect your workplace productivity, so many companies face the so-called summer slump, which refers to both a drop in sales and employee engagement.
While it’s really hard to think about work when it’s 99F outside, there are some things you can do to improve workplace productivity regardless of whether you’re working remotely or from the office.
1. Wear Cotton
First things first.
Opting for a super breathable cotton fabric will make it so much easier to endure hot days.
This natural fiber allows air to circulate and move through it, which means that the airflow will dry out the damp areas of your body quickly.
High-quality lightweight cotton absorbs moisture, too, so you won’t have to worry about sweating and those annoying sweat marks that soak through your shirts.
Light, loose clothes made of cotton will also help cool your body and make you feel comfortable.
2. Set Short-Term Goals
Both you and your employees are probably more distracted during the summer months, and your mind wanders off to a secluded beach or a cabin retreat in the woods.
It’s hard and most likely useless to try to curb such a train of breezy thoughts and prevent distractions. That’s why starting some major projects in this period isn’t a good idea. Doing so will only stress your employees out and frustrate them additionally.
Instead of that, set short-term goals that are easy to accomplish. This will motivate your team because their tasks will seem more attainable.
3. Spend Time Outdoors
If you have a yard or a patio, it’s a good idea to spend early mornings and evenings when the temperatures are not high there.
This way, you can enjoy some fresh air, especially if we bear in mind that the AC tends to make the inside air too dry and change its quality.
However, if you live and work in the Valley of the Sun, that means that the temperatures rarely drop below 73°F even at night.
A high-pressure misting system is capable of keeping your home or workspace 30 degrees cooler than the outside temperature.
That’s why hiring a reliable company to install and maintain your misting system in Phoenix is the best thing to do if you want to ensure a pleasant temperature throughout the day.
4. Block the Heat
If you want to be productive on a hot day, turn on your AC.
But, that’s not the only thing you can do to maintain a pleasant and comfortable temperature in your workplace.
First of all, don’t forget that not all your employees like air conditioning, so it’s important to respect their needs and set the temperature so that everybody is happy.
To make sure your workplace is cool, even if you set the thermostat to a higher temperature, install window shutters, blinds, or any external coverings. Not only will this prevent the glasshouse effect, but it will also slash your electricity bill.
5. Adopt Half-Day Fridays
The idea of a long weekend is guaranteed to lift your employees’ spirits and get them to work harder and more efficiently during the rest of the week.
Introducing so-called summer Fridays is a win-win situation: your employees get to go home earlier instead of working until 5 pm, and that’s what will push them to be more productive and try harder to finish more tasks while they’re in the office.
Employers who support and encourage employee mental health and well-being are rewarded with significantly improved workplace productivity and fewer sick days.
6. Plan Summer Vacation Ahead of Time
To prevent the stress of having to deal with conflicting schedules and employees planning their vacations/staycations simultaneously, it’s crucial to ask them to submit their vacation requests ahead of time.
That way, you can organize your work process smoothly and avoid the problem of understaffing during the summer.
These simple tips can help you boost workplace productivity during summer and keep your employees happy. If you’re worried about how all this will affect your business, remember that a happy employee is a motivated employee.
