Employee Productivity Trends in Summer

Captivate Network, a renowned firm conducted a study about the employee productivity trends in summer. Here are some derivatives that are rather shocking. The study says that

• The employee productivity drops by 20%
• The employee attendance goes down by 19%
• The time for project completion increases by 13%
• Employee distraction is as high as 45%

These numbers seem too big and exaggerated, but that is not the case. These statistics are based on scientific studies and is quite representative of on the ground situation.

The major part of the increase in absenteeism is contributed by the working parents with school-aged children. The summer vacations are the time the kids can enjoy. Hence the parents take on leaves to go on holidays.

The emptiness in the office creates an environment of longing. The other employees wish to take time off and go for a holiday. This, in turn, increases employee distraction and decreases workplace employee productivity.

Because of the absenteeism and the distraction, less work gets done and the project deadlines get pushed. This increases the project completion time.

All this together, create a less productive environment ultimately adversely affecting the business.

But this can also be a blessing in disguise if you exploit it well.

If the employees take this slacking summer and have some fun to rejuvenate, it can actually be productive. Study shows that chilling out and enjoying the season will actually help get more meaningful work done than trying in vain to ignore the great weather.

Happier workers get more done.

It is a positive time when employers should dedicate their time to keep their staff happy. They can engage them by incorporating exciting events or time away from projects.

The employers should strive to make the employees comfortable and relaxed. They can do this by making many small changes.

Start by addressing the issue of poor posture that comes from not using the right furniture arrangements. Getting custom couches or designer furniture in bright or unexpected colours and patterns can cheer up employee’s moods compared to bland pieces with no personality. Comfy chairs, pillows and a fluffy rug, to enable them to kick back for a few minutes when times get a little stressful or they need to give their eyes a break from the screen.

The work environment can be made more lively and welcoming by availing enough natural light and fresh air. Just the addition of fresh flowers and interesting wall art can do the trick.

Paying a little attention on the design, layout and amenities should be promoted. The office space should not only be chosen depending on the economic aspects.

Having a fresh coat of paint or a new carpet can be some great investments.

Just having a sturdy desk and comfortable chair does not make a comfortable environment. It also includes having quality lighting, good ventilation, and a quality heating-and-cooling system

But don’t get too stressed about it. Problem and Solution are like Renting and Saving, they go hand in hand.

Here are some widely popular suggestions to increase the employee productivity.

Create a comfortable environment

Given that summer is not the time when the employees are in their best form. It becomes all the more important to provide an environment that is comfortable and makes office work easier.

To help employees perform better and put their minds at ease there are many small things the company can do.

You can start by getting rid of that outdated furniture. After all, no one would like to sit for eight hours a day on an old wooden chair.

Even having a bright place with live plants is a great idea. People feel better about themselves, their jobs and the work when they are connected to nature around them.

It is very important to maintain that the temperature and humidity. The temperature of the workplace can directly impact the productivity.

Having an air-conditioned office in the scorching heat is an absolute necessity. It helps the employee to perform at his full potential. The optimum temperature for staff wellbeing should be around 20–21-degree Celsius.

Not just this, small things like having sunlight coming into the room can bring positivity. It can impart a new breath of energy to the employees.

Another step to ensure ease to the employees is the liberty to wear comfortable clothing. Allowing staff to wear casual, comfortable clothes to the office will help them keep cooler in the heat.

The case may be that your business requires the employees to wear formal attire or uniform. But, a relaxation can be made when the client or customer is not around.

Many companies have adopted these simple ideas to make life easier for their employees. Summers are known for relaxed and laid back style, and there is no harm if the employees are allowed to embrace it.

Be flexible with the work options

It is essential for a business to bloom that its employees are happy because they cannot be productive at work till they are not happy themselves.

Businesses need to be flexible enough to ensure that the employee has a healthy work and personal life balance. This need amplifies in summer when children are out of school. The working parents struggle to cater to both, their work and their family.

Flexible work schedules give the employees the chance to reconnect with their loved ones. They can meet family needs, personal obligations and life responsibilities. This, in turn, makes them happy and valued by the employer.

Businesses often take on different work hours during summers to provide for some family time. It is a common practice to lengthen the workday Monday-Thursday by an hour or two in exchange for closing early on Friday.

This gives the employees some time to breathe. It also enhances their productivity while making them feel positive and happy. It is a great way to keep the employees motivated and a fantastic way to kick-start the rather long weekend.

There is a lot more you can do to improve the employee productivity. You can read about it in detail in our official blog at https://blog.grabonrent.com/employee-productivity-trends-in-summer/

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