It’s summer time! Time for vacations, family get-togethers, camping, reunions or just relaxing by the pool. As a business owner, you know your staff want time off to celebrate the summer months.
Most business managers understand that the sun is a tough competitor when it comes to scheduling work shifts. Many employees are asking for the same days off, some want to vacation with family or want to take a 3-day weekend to go to that new resort with a pool.
Here are a few ideas to keep your team engaged and happily coming to work while the sun is out.
Important tip: Create a calendar with these events and place it in the break room so that staff know what is happening and will stick around for the fun!
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Join a league!
Many cities have sports leagues that companies can join such as softball, bowling, kickball or golf tournaments. These activities are great for team building and give everyone something to look forward to during the summer. Team t-shirts and weekly competitions with other companies make this type of activity a real winner.
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For certain positions, consider a 4-day work week.
A four-day work week for some positions means that staff can easily get their work done and still have a 3-day weekend at the coast with their family. It may take a few adjustments but where possible, a four-day work week means less missed work time and more productivity.
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Random lunch-time surprise!
From time to time, surprising staff with pizza or an ice cream party can be a lot a fun. Instead of making every Wednesday staff lunch day, pick random days throughout the month so that staff are truly surprised and still feel rewarded and valuable.
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Games
Office games offer a great distraction while keeping a sense of work focus. Try Bingo. Everyone gets a card and then a couple times a day, send out a company email with bingo numbers. This game can go on for a week or more until someone wins. Provide the winner with a simple prize and make sure that the winner is announced with fanfare!
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Spirit Week!
Spirit Week in school was something we all looked forward to. Dressing up, games, food and contests are tons of fun and create a sense of unity. At the office, pick a week out of the summer months to re-create those great times. Select a company colors day and schedule a pot luck and drawing for a prize for most original outfit. Why not a BBQ if the space is available?
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Potlucks
The most successful potlucks have a theme. Pick something like a luau. Make a list of Hawaiian foods for people to make and get a sign-up sheet going. Next, go to the local party store and buy a bunch of colorful leis and island-themed props. Invite the staff to wear casual beach wear, if possible, to make the environment even more festive. Set the tone by playing island music through the sound system all day.
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Company sponsored outings
These are always popular with staff. It gets people who are normally focused on tasks at work out and socializing. You don’t always need a reason to get together for fun. Make sure the venue you select has space to accommodate everyone that might want to attend including a plus one if it’s in the budget.
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Hold a company picnic
A company picnic is another way to get the team together during the summer. This may take some planning and may require you to contact your local parks and recreation department to reserve a spot for your event. Hire a local BBQ restaurant to cater and take this party to the next level!
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Hold meetings outside
When the sun is shining, and a meeting is called for, hold the meeting outside. Many companies find that stand-up meetings and briefings are more efficient and direct. Bring lemonade!
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Island photo booth
Dreaming of that tropical vacation? How about setting up a photo booth with a backdrop of a beach. Set out straw hats, leis, flip flops, Hawaiian shirts, coconuts, sand buckets and the like. Invite staff to get inventive and create summer memories in the office. These photos can also be used as screen savers! Other ideas: Pirates, Camping, Sailing.
The purpose here is to make the workplace enjoyable during the summer months. The sunshine and beautiful days may be tough competition, but it doesn’t mean the game can’t be won!
