Tackling the employee end of summer slump 

As we’re nearing the end of the summer, people’s annual holidays come to an end, this is an opportunity for businesses to consider their employees’ wellbeing and morale. The end of summer slump is a well-known phenomenon, as employees return to ‘work as normal’ and the chaos of full inboxes, and in some cases, preparation for the festive season can lead to potential burnout.  

The return to darker days can take a toll on employees’ mental health, with the NHS estimating that 1 in 15 employees in the UK experience Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) between September and April.  

Moving away from the summer high and into the fourth quarter of the year, how can we continue to keep employee morale up, ensure our teams are happy and maintain a productive and engaged workforce?  

A little goes a long way 

There are effective strategies that businesses can implement in order to maintain momentum and keep employees engaged. However, these can start with small gestures, like checking in with individuals and showing care. Whether an employee is returning from leave and trying to catch up on work, or recovering from covering for another team member on holiday, it’s important to ask employees how they are feeling and where they may need extra support.  

For employees returning to work post-holiday, managers could arrange short meetings to understand priorities and discuss any urgent tasks that need actioning. This way they can also update employees on any project movements, create a plan and offer any guidance. Having this type of structure in place can help employees focus their attention adequately and work efficiently moving forward.  

Fostering a healthy and positive working environment 

It’s crucial to maintain a positive working environment for employees to express their needs and ask for support. What’s more is, happy employees have been proven to be 20% more productive in the workplace, compared to those that feel unhappy.  

One way to do so is by providing flexible working arrangements for employees. Commuting to the office every day may be a struggle, for whatever reason, for all employees in our hybrid working world and individuals may prefer to work from home on certain days. By accommodating a structure that works for everyone, taking into account that certain days may be good for team days in the office, may make employees feel more comfortable and create a strong sense of belonging.   

On the other hand, encouraging team building and allowing employees the chance to socialise amongst themselves can also have a positive impact on productivity. Teams that feel connected are more likely to collaborate more efficiently, support each other and work toward common goals. This in turn, will result in higher productivity throughout the business and having an open people first culture.  

To do so, organisations might organise summer parties or regular team socials, to give employees the opportunity to get to know their colleagues in a more casual environment.  

Regular reward and recognition  

Regular reward and recognition can go a long way in boosting team morale and productivity. This can include small but meaningful gestures, like ordering breakfast on certain days, taking the team for lunch or presenting employees with gift cards to use towards new experiences. Unexpected employee rewards can make employees feel appreciated for their work and give them an opportunity to leave their desks, socialise and treat themselves to something they enjoy.   

Recognition can also involve awards for long-service, gifts for birthdays and outstanding work. A recent survey found that employees believe they should be recognised for certain milestones, including births or adoptions of children, anniversaries and other significant life events. This could come in the form of a gift voucher, for instance, that allows employees to choose how and where to spend their reward. Gifts such as these never have to break the bank and are a great way to celebrate employees and their achievements.  

As a matter of fact, 79% of employees have stated previously that they prefer non-monetary rewards, including formal recognition, awards, flexibility in work hours, opportunities for work development, etc. to financial incentives in improving their motivation. This goes to show that appreciating employees for their hard work can go a long way in building loyalty, keeping employees happy, and in turn, boosting productivity amongst teams.  

One popular reward amongst employees is a multi-choice gift card. This gives individuals the flexibility to choose something that they enjoy, when it suits them. In addition, this type of gift may alleviate the stresses of certain costs for employees and allow them to treat themselves to something they may not have purchased before due to monetary constraints. This can help with making employees feel appreciated for their work and more satisfied in their role.  

Ultimately, happy employees work more productively, so it’s in an organisation’s best interest to take care of their people. This is especially important toward the end of summer when motivation may begin to drop off and some individuals may struggle with days getting darker.  Incentives can help employees feel supported as we move into the autumn season, and ensure their wellbeing is looked after. It should be seen as vital to keep employees happy throughout the entire year. Consistency is key, and ensuring employees feel valued for the work they are contributing to a company will go a long way in retaining employees and ensuring that productivity is at a steady level throughout. This will help business leaders gain their employees’ loyalty, and result in a more motivated team all year round.