When summer hits, it can be easy to get distracted from doing anything work-related. You might find yourself daydreaming about an upcoming beach trip or some other fun-filled activity. It’s hard to get motivated when nearly half of the office is out on vacation.
The good news is that you’re not the only one who has trouble maintaining a high productivity level during the warm weather months. According to Grasshopper, 25% of workers feel less productive during June, July, and August compared to the rest of the year. It’s also comforting to know that 68% of employees admit to daydreaming during the workday.
So what can you do to avoid the summer slump? Here are seven ways to keep productivity levels high during the summer.
1. Make time for exercise
Not only does being active offer physical benefits, but it offers mental ones as well. Exercise can improve your mental capacity, including better focus, faster learning, and sharper memory.
Research shows that exercising before work can give you a productivity boost. It can also reduce stress later in the day and improve your decision-making.
Be sure to include enough time in your morning to plan for exercise. If your office has a gym, use it. The endorphins you release from working out can leave you feeling energized and prepared to start your day.
2. Plan summer activities
It’s hard to find motivation when you’re feeling cooped up inside and the view outside your office window is more appealing. However, you and your teammates can improve your mood by getting out there.
For example, you can host outdoor meetings or an ice cream social to get workers outside and away from their desks. A change of scenery can spark creativity and make being at work more fun.
3. Focus on tasks one at a time
While multitasking might seem like a great way to accomplish everything at once, it can reduce your productivity. Many studies show that multitasking is impossible for most people and that trying to do more than one thing at a time compromises the ability to complete tasks well.
Instead of trying to juggle multiple tasks or projects, focus on each one individually. Once you’ve finished, move on to the next job. Tackling one project at a time will help you get more done and get it done faster.
4. Minimize your desk clutter
Clutter on your desk may sound harmless. However, it can make you less productive. A messy work environment can lead to disorganization and missing paperwork, decreasing your efficiency.
The summer lull is a great time to declutter and organize your desk to eliminate distractions. You can maintain a clean work area by clearing off your desk at the end of each day. Throw away the trash, properly file documents, and put everything in its designated place so that you don’t have to deal with any chaos the following day.
5. Take time off
Everyone needs a break now and then. Summer is the perfect time to use any vacation days you’ve earned.
It might sound unreasonable, but taking time away from work can increase productivity. It can prevent you from experiencing burnout and get your creative juices flowing.
Even simple acts like a weekend hike or an evening walk can recharge your batteries. If you practice mindfulness, try meditation.
Allowing yourself opportunities to unwind will leave you feeling refreshed to continue pressing ahead.
6. Tackle new initiatives and projects
As easy as it is to let the summer slip by, it’s essential to take advantage of this time by starting a new project or initiative. Maybe there’s a project you didn’t have the time to work on previously. Now’s the perfect time to brainstorm and get started.
The summer is also an excellent time for opportunities that enable you to learn and grow. Consider attending a workshop or conference – this can motivate you to implement new initiatives at work.
7. Offer more flexible scheduling
Without the proper work-life balance, you’re more likely to feel stressed and have a difficult time getting things done. If you’re in a leadership position, you can try experimenting with scheduling during the summer to motivate your team.
Instead of making employees work Monday through Friday, offer more flexible work hours. For instance, consider allowing teammates to work from home on Fridays or giving them Fridays off altogether.
You might feel that giving workers a day off during the summer sacrifices productivity. However, research shows that 66% of employees who do have summer hours felt more productive, not less, as a result.
The appeal of summer is inevitable. However, you don’t have to succumb to levels of low productivity. Instead, look for ways to minimize distractions, enjoy outdoor activities with teammates, and take some time out for yourself. As a result, you’ll find yourself more productive and motivated to get things done during the summer months.
