August can be a difficult month. Employees are returning back to the daily grind from vacation, it’s still blazing hot outside, and the middle of the third quarter often means business has hit a lull for a lot of companies. But don’t let that keep you from using this month to boost morale and prepare for the coming busy fourth quarter. Check out these five tips to help you make the most of August.
Keep Cool
The record-breaking heat wave this summer has been brutal, and with the hottest month of the year just beginning, it’s important for your employees to stay cool. Remind them to stay hydrated, especially if their job requires them to be outdoors. You might also consider revising your dress code to accommodate the scorching temperatures, or at least make some suggestions of how to dress to beat the heat.
Embrace National Simplify Your Life Week
The first week of August is National Simplify Your Life Week, so take some time to consider what you can do to minimize and de-clutter your work life. Beyond just simply cleaning out your supply closet or straightening your desk, think about what complicates your professional life the most. Is it meetings? Learn how to manage them so they don’t take over your day. Is your email inbox out of control? Make sure you’re using this form of communication as effectively as possible.
Boost Morale
As everyone watches the summer draw to a close and employees adjust to being back in the office after summer vacations, don’t let morale drop. Make it a point to boost your team’s morale throughout the month with easy demonstrations of your appreciation and praise, from passing out ice cream sandwiches on a Friday afternoon to letting everyone remake their job titles.
Focus on Retention
In this lull before the seasonal storm, encourage your employees to take advantage of any down time and learn some new skills. Since 40% of employees report having a hard time staying motivated at work and only 45% of Americans say they’re satisfied with their jobs, providing new learning opportunities and encouraging the exploration of new skills can be a great way to boost your retention efforts.
Pick Up Some New Supplies
While you’re buying your children’s school supplies, or just browsing the back to school aisle on your next shopping trip, grab some new supplies for your own workspace. Plan ahead by checking your desk drawers and supply closet to see what you’re low on beforehand. You never know what could awaken your inspiration – perhaps a new set of colorful folders will bring on the urge to organize the stacks of paper on your desk.
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