Employee engagement activities when the sun is out | myhrtoolkit

A recent survey taken in Newcastle found that two-thirds of people aged 18-34 thought management would see them as ‘not working hard enough’ for leaving the office early. During the summer, this type of workplace culture can lead to a rise in unmotivated employees. This is especially true when it seems like everybody else is outside enjoying the sunny weather.

Creating a cohesive working environment is important all year round. However, it pays to be a little more tactful during the summer. From allowing flexible working hours to hosting a summer party, here are some great employee engagement activities to encourage your employees to give their best each day and commit to your organisation’s values and goals.

Allow flexible working

Have you thought about offering your workforce a more flexible way of working? Let’s say the weather forecast suggests there’s an upcoming heatwave. Instead of the usual 9 to 5 hours, you could allow earlier starting and finishing times. This means individuals can leave earlier if they wish, joining the rest of Britain in the park or beer garden.

Take meetings outside

Rather than holding regular meetings in a warm and stuffy meeting room, you could consider moving to a nearby park or quiet patch of grass. Perhaps your workplace has outdoor seating areas or a cafe does nearby. Either way, there will be an immediate uplift in morale as the team chats on the way to their al fresco gathering.

This idea might not be suitable for external meetings (it depends on existing relationships with customers or clients). However, it is certainly something to try for internal meetings as spring eases into summer.

Hold a summer social event

Most UK organisations hold an office Christmas party, but have you considered hosting a summer party too? Make the most of the warmer weather by hosting an outdoor gathering, perhaps at a nearby venue with a large enough outside area. You could host traditional village fête games or you set up table tennis, croquet, or even an inflatable assault course.

If the above seems like too much physical exertion, a catered barbecue with vegan and vegetarian options all served with ice cold drinks will give everybody a chance to let their hair down. By their nature summer parties are more casual than those held in winter. So, keep it relaxed and well organised so that the guests have to worry about one thing — enjoying themselves.

Related article: Summer party ideas for work

Don’t forget the ice cream

Buying everyone ice creams or lollies is an easy way to keep the team onside during summer. You might choose to take the treats straight to their desks. Or you could send a staff email around explaining there are ice creams waiting outside in the sunshine. Why not go one step further and arrange and pay for a traditional ice cream van to park outside the main entrance?

However you choose to arrange an ice cream break, you’ll be bringing a little bit of summer into the office and will put a smile on everyone’s faces. This is one of our favourite summer employee engagement activities, as it can be as simple or elaborate as you wish!

Summer doesn’t have to be a challenge. There are plenty of simple ways to boost motivation, so be flexible and look after your employees whilst still working towards the organisation’s goals.

More employee engagement activities

Are you looking for employee engagement activities for when the weather gets colder? Don't worry, we've got you covered; check out our article on Autumn employee engagement ideas. We've also published a great piece from HR consultant Gemma Dale on general employee engagement strategies for your organisation.