The summer lull can be a frustrating time for businesses – team members on holiday, customers putting their business on hold and a general desire to be somewhere other than office on the minds of many. However, that doesn’t mean the warmer months (if the sun comes out) have to be a write-off for your business.
The changing rhythms and demands of summer can be a chance to rethink the normal ways you work, as well as invest in projects that normally sit on the back burner.
1. Update your schedule
When you’re running your business, it’s easy to lose track of time and bury your head in every activity, but that can’t last forever.
The summer season, with its longer days and often slower business pace, provides a perfect opportunity to rethink and adjust your work schedule for improved productivity. With many businesses considering moving towards a four-day work week, teams are discovering just how much of what we get done isn’t a matter of time, but mindset.
And a big part of that is work-life balance and overall job satisfaction. Using the different rhythms of summer can help you reexamine where you put your energy and where it’s really needed.
- Embrace the summer rhythms: Use the quieter patterns of summer to identify the best times for focus, creativity, and rest, getting work done at a time and in a way that works for you. That could include waking up earlier to enjoy the longer days and take a break if it – fingers crossed – gets hot.
- Invest in your extracurriculars: Allocate time for hobbies, family, and relaxation to give extra context and energy to your work.
- Rest and Recharge: Ensure you have adequate rest and engage in activities you are passionate about to enhance productivity and mental well-being.
2. Invest in your set up
Having a specific area for work can help reduce distractions and create a more productive environment, especially for those working from home. Setting up a dedicated workspace can give you chance to design your ideal space, based around your needs. If you can’t work from home the last two points are more relevant for you.
- Start with a dedicated space: Make a specific area in your home that is solely for work. This separation helps in creating a mental boundary between work and personal life, which is handy for maintaining productivity – and enjoying your home once you’re done.
- Make it inviting: Design your workspace to be a place you want to spend time in. Personalise it with items that inspire and motivate you. A comfortable chair, good lighting, and essential office supplies can make a significant difference.
- Enhance with personal touches: Think about how you can make your workspace not just functional but also enjoyable. Adding a plant, photo frame, artwork or even having exercise equipment nearby can encourage you to take breaks, stay active and generally enhance your environment.
3. Get connected
At a time of year when many people are on the move, it’s important to be able to get connected when you need to but also be able to switch off. And nothing sidetracks a nice relaxing holiday like a panicked phone call from the office about a missed deadline or missing document. Having systems in place to keep track of projects – and each other – also ensures you can work more smoothly when work kicks off again.
- Know where your files are: Networked storage solutions or cloud drives ensure you and your team can access important documents from anywhere. A shared library with controlled access means your team can find what they need without unnecessary interruptions because an important file is stuck on a local server.
- Keep in touch: Video chat and messaging tools like Slack, Teams, Zoom allow team members to work collaboratively from different locations. At a time when your team may be more mobile, this can help keep projects on track and help you be more flexible with how you enjoy the summer.
- Take project management seriously: Project management and CRM tools like Asana, Trello, or HubSpot help keep track of what needs to be done and who is responsible for each task. These tools ensure nothing is missed and that everyone can cover for each other effectively, which is especially important when team members are taking time off or working different schedules during the summer
4. Make a plan for the year ahead
With time to think on your side and the half-way point of the year upon us, now is a great time to review the year so far and put yourself in the best position to succeed in the months ahead.
- Take stock of the year: Take a moment to dig into the achievements of the past year. What strategies paid off? Which projects brought the most impact and success? Equally important, identify areas where there’s room for improvement. A balanced review will help chart a clear path forward, ensuring you build on your strengths while addressing any weaknesses.
- Check in with your team: Use this time to have open conversations with your team. Make sure everyone is aligned with the company’s goals and set new development targets for the year ahead. These discussions can boost engagement and ensure everyone feels involved and valued, and ready to contribute to their fullest.
- Reassess responsibilities: Now’s the time to re-examine your workload by reviewing responsibilities within your team. Look for opportunities to delegate tasks, freeing up your time to focus on strategic priorities. Delegation not only optimises resources but also empowers team members by giving them more responsibility and opportunities for growth.
Taking a big picture view of your business productivity
As you take a breath at the midpoint of the year remember that you don't have to navigate the journey alone. At Haines Watts, we’ve helped thousands of businesses plan, execute and improve their business strategies. Our experts can act as your trusted advisor, providing year-round support with numbers, tailored services, and expert advice to keep you in control and on track.
Whether you need help with financial planning, managing outsourced accounting processes, or seeking strategic advice to grow your business, our team is dedicated to helping you succeed. No matter the season, we help you focus on what you do best.
