Is Your Workplace Ready For The Summer?

The days are getting longer and the temperature is finally on the rise. Talk around the office has turned to bikini diets and discount airlines. The parks are packed full with joggers and cyclists. There’s no denying that summer is very firmly on the horizon. But is your business ready?

As always, a little preparation can go a long way. Here, we’re going to talk you through the considerations that you need to make to ensure that your business is fighting fit to contend with its upcoming challenges.

Are you keeping spirits high?

The summer can be a bit of an unsettling time for employees. There are often many factors at play that can present unique issues. Team members are taking time off, sunny gardens seem much more appealing than the office and sporting events are scheduled for right in the middle of the working day. The list goes on and on.

So it’s easy to see why motivation and engagement can sometimes be sorely lacking during the warmer months. Instead of trying to firefight problems once they arise, be proactive and consider what you can do to raise spirits. Organize an outdoor picnic during the lunch hour, treat your staff to an ice cream, or organize to have the biggest sporting events streamed into the workplace. Small gestures can often go a long way.

How will you handle a heat wave?

Okay, so this might be wishful thinking. But every now and again, the weather throws a pleasant surprise our way. Do you know what you should do when it comes to managing the working environment when the temperatures soar? There’s no guideline, which is partly because some industries require extreme hot or cold conditions just to get the job done.

When there’s no legislation to refer to, use a bit of simple common sense. Is the office getting hot and stuffy? Is it uncomfortable for your staff? If so, think about making some adjustments. Fans can make a good quick fix, and you should always ensure that fresh cold water is available for drinking.

Have you mapped out staffing requirements?

More often than not, the summer months pose challenges in terms of making sure that you effectively manage the annual leave rota so work still gets done. The starting point here must involve working out what you need. How will you ensure the phones are answered, and questions are dealt with in a timely manner? How many team members need to be present at any given time? Go back to basics.

Don’t forget to think about how you can use this period to create opportunities. Members of staff who are eager to progress may be keen to step up and contribute to ongoing projects while their colleagues are away, or take on a more diverse range of responsibilities to assist with their professional development.

Perhaps you’ve got your plan of action mapped out and you’re confident that you’re ready for the summer. Or maybe you’re feeling unorganized and worried about the issues you know you’ll have to handle in the very near future. Need some help? That’s exactly why we’re here. Give us a call today for an initial chat about your circumstances.