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Here's how to keep your team motivated in the summer (and yourself, too)

Here's how to keep your team motivated in the summer (and yourself, too)

Summer is in full swing. While some are enjoying a drink on a campsite in France, others are keeping the tent running in the office, healthcare, construction or retail. For entrepreneurs, this is a period full of challenges: part of your team is on vacation, the temperature is rising, productivity sometimes drops as much as the number of occupied office chairs. As an entrepreneur, how do you keep everyone involved and yourself balanced?

As an entrepreneur, how do you keep everyone involved and yourself balanced?

The summer puzzle

Summer often means a puzzle of staffing, scheduling and flexibility. Employees are on vacation, deadlines remain, and the temperature doesn't always cooperate. It can also be downtime: clients are abroad, projects are on hold, the phone doesn't ring as loudly. Both scenarios can be stressful. Because a low workload does not automatically mean less tension. This is precisely when space for reflection is created. And sometimes for frustration.

For many business owners, July and August is a period of 'muddling through'

Many business owners we talk to say they are in a kind of survival mode during the summer months. Not because the work is so hard, but because everything runs differently than usual. You have fewer colleagues to fall back on, people are more easily distracted, and you yourself often feel the need to take a break. But yes: your business has to go on.

Especially during this period, it is important to be aware of energy and motivation. For your employees as well as for yourself.

Summer motivation: here's how to keep your employees engaged

How do you keep employees who do get to work motivated when colleagues have their feet in the sand? Here are some practical tips:

1. Give space and autonomy

Especially during the summer, it is nice when employees experience a little more self-direction. Perhaps it is quieter in terms of work and there is room to set their own priorities, take training or work on their own projects. Provide trust, not micromanagement. Autonomy is motivating. Especially when the temperature rises.

2. Provide variety

Let employees think about how to take advantage of the quiet period. Can jobs be picked up that are normally left lying around? Is there room for creativity or innovation? Or just for relaxation and connection? Consider a summer challenge, theme lunch or inspiration session with an external speaker.

3. Keep both head and body cool

Hot weather can lead to a dip in energy and concentration. Make sure you have a good indoor climate, plenty of water, fresh air and possibly flexible working hours. Be open to working from home or starting earlier if it's cooler then. Small adjustments make a big difference in comfort and productivity.

4. Make time for compliments

During these months, employees can feel more quickly "left behind. They run on, keep things going, but receive less recognition. A simple thank you, compliment or something sweet (ice cream?) in the workplace can do wonders for the atmosphere.

5. Discuss the balance

Also use summer as a moment of reflection: how is your employees' work-life balance? Are there signs of stress, overwork or boredom? Invite a discussion, possibly with an employability coach, so that you prevent small issues from growing into Sickness Absence.

What about you? Summer tips for entrepreneurs

As a business owner, you are often the one who "keeps going. While your team is celebrating vacations, you are busy with replacement, targets, invoices, and keeping all the balls in the air. Therefore, here are some tips especially for you:

Plan your own summer consciously

Allow yourself rest, too. Maybe not a long vacation, but some days off or quiet mornings. Schedule it in your calendar as if it were an important appointment. No space? Then see what you can temporarily let go of or delegate.

Evaluate the first six months

Summer is a perfect time for reflection. Where do you stand with your business? What are you proud of, what could be better, what do you want to focus on in the fall? A moment of pause gives direction and rest. Make an appointment with an entrepreneurial coach or sparring partner to look at your business from a distance.

Commit to vitality

Use this period to pay attention to vitality and employability. Consider a PMO for your team, a workshop on stress, or promoting walking meetings. In doing so, you will lay a foundation for a fit autumn and show that you take being a good employer seriously.

Enjoy the space

When things are quieter in the workplace or with your clients, it also offers opportunities. Time for deepening, innovation, strategy or just that one course that has been on your list for months. Or: do nothing and just read a book. That too is valuable.

Don't forget the people who do work

Also pay attention to employees who continue to work during this period and do not take a vacation. Consider young employees without children, or those without a partner or plans. For them, the feeling of being "left behind" can be tough. Make sure there is a little extra for them too; an ice cream, an extended day off, an extra day off or just personal attention.

Summer as momentum

Summer does not have to be a difficult time. In fact, it can be a valuable time to invest in job satisfaction, engagement and well-being. By consciously reflecting on energy, motivation and balance, in your team as well as in yourself, you will make the transition to autumn smoother and more sustainable.

At ZekerArbo , we believe that taking good care of your people starts with attention, even when it's 30 degrees. We are ready to think with you, whether it's about prevention, employability or preventing dropout.

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