“It’s a beautiful summer day …” your star employee says as they stare longingly out the window. And chances are, they’re not the only one.  

Summer tests even the strongest teams. As the dog days hit, bloggers and journalists love citing a 2012 survey claiming that productivity drops a massive 20% during the summer. But there’s no reason that has to apply to your team. Sure, your team members might wish they were sipping mai tais on the beach, but with the right approach, their productivity won’t take a hit.  

How to Keep Teams Motivated During the Summer Months  

No matter what kind of manager you are—in sales, marketing, finance, human resources, or IT—it’s a wise move to improve morale during the summer. Here’s how. 

1. Set SMART Goals 

We’ve mentioned SMART goals before, but for those in the back, this goal-setting strategy is an excellent way to keep teams on point when summer distractions hit. SMART goals are: 

  • Specific 
  • Measurable 
  • Achievable 
  • Relevant 
  • Time-Bound 

When team members work remotely, take some much-deserved paid time off, or mentally check out, clear goals will keep everyone aligned and accountable. Speaking of PTO … 

2. Support Paid Time Off 

When PTO requests start flooding your inbox, don’t panic. Teams need a break sometimes, and sometimes just because. They’ll come back happier, healthier, and maybe with a few good travel stories. 

The worst thing you can do? Guilt-trip your team for taking PTO. That’s how you crush team morale. So always encourage time off, and don’t forget to take some yourself. If you never take a break, you’re sending the wrong message to your team.  

3. Build a Stronger Team Culture 

It’s easy to feel disconnected, especially if your team is remote. By building a strong company culture, you can increase communication and collaboration, whether your team’s scattered across the country or the office.  

Here are some simple ways to strengthen your team: 

  • Celebrate wins, big and small 
  • Recognize individual and team contributions publicly 
  • Host fun team-building events 
  • Encourage open communication 
  • Support professional growth 
  • Spark fresh ideas with brainstorming sessions 

It’s summer! Give your team something to look forward to besides slamming their laptop shut at 5. 

4. Embrace Flexible Schedules 

Scared to loosen the reins and let your team have flexible hours or (gasp!) work remotely? Don’t be. Turns out, giving your team the choice of where to work can boost employee: 

  • Engagement 
  • Well-being 
  • Innovation 
  • Psychology  
  • Perceptions of company culture 
  • Safety 

The truth: Your team members will produce the same high-quality work no matter where they work. Why not lean into recent shifts in workplace culture? Let them work from home. Let them have flexible schedules. Cut them loose early on Fridays. Trust your team to deliver and they will. 

5. Take It Outside  

The birds are singing, and the flowers are blooming. Why trap your team indoors? Hold meetings outside: Your office’s courtyard or patio will do. Sometimes all it takes is a change of scenery and some fresh air to boost team morale.  

Here are some other outdoor options your team might enjoy: 

  • City parks 
  • Botanical gardens 
  • Hiking trails 
  • Nature preserves 
  • Ropes courses 

6. Lead By Example 

Assuming you’re the stellar leader we think you are, your team looks up to you. They may even model their behaviors after you. Set an example by having a positive attitude and strong work ethic during the summer. If your team sees you putting in the work, they’re going to follow suit, no matter the season.  

Become the Manager You Would Have Wanted 

Chances are you want to be a better manager—you’re reading this post, after all. Becoming an effective manager (the kind of boss you would have wanted while climbing the corporate ladder) takes more than a positive attitude. It takes a variety of soft and hard skills, from emotional intelligence to performance analysis, plus the education to prove to employers you have what it takes to lead.  

Time To Earn Your BBA in Management 

At UT Permian Basin, we offer an online Bachelor of Business Administration in Management that provides everything you need to manage your team—and career. Learn essential leadership skills that will stick with you, whether you stay in your position, seek a promotion, or pursue new opportunities in other fields.  

Courses are 100% online, so you don’t have to put your career on hold. Plus, you can complete coursework wherever you want, whether that’s at home or somewhere you don’t have to stare out the window to enjoy the summer weather.  

Interested? Check out our online BBA in management. When you’re ready to take the next step, apply to UT Permian Basin. (And yes, classes are offered in the summer.) 

Sources: 
https://www.forbes.com/councils/forbeshumanresourcescouncil/2023/06/05/beat-the-summer-slump-20-ideas-to-motivate-and-engage-your-team/ 
https://www.thehrteam.com/blog/keep-your-team-motivated-in-the-workplace-this-summer-with-these-smart-strategies/