Summer offers longer days and sunshine—but it also brings unique work challenges. From a “summer slump” in productivity to juggling childcare, it can be a stressful season. Research shows workplace productivity may drop by up to 20% in summer, attendance declines about 19%, and distractions increase by 45%. Yet nearly 94% of employees value work-life balance, and 85% of organizations with balance initiatives report on productivity gains. With thoughtful planning, you can stay productive and enjoy the season.
1. Stay Productive Through the Summer
Many companies combat the summer slump by offering flexible schedules—summer Fridays, remote work, and adjusted hours. A Dayforce/Harris Poll survey found 58% of employees report some form of summer flexibility, including flexible hours (32%), working from home (22%), and Summer Fridays (19%). Most employees (72–83%) agree these policies reduce burnout and improve well-being.
Pro tip: Adjust your schedule—work mornings when energy is high, enjoy longer lunches, and finish later if needed. Short breaks—even stepping outside—can boost productivity by up to 45%.
2. Plan & Get Ahead of Vacation
- Delegate tasks and create detailed handover docs.
- Introduce your backup to key contacts, emails, and processes.
- Set clear out-of-office messages with alternate contacts.
These steps help ensure smooth coverage and allow you to truly disconnect.
3. Ensure Team Coverage When People Are Away
When multiple people take leave, coordination prevents bottlenecks. Use shared calendars, set PTO caps, and schedule cross-training so multiple team members can handle vital tasks—ensuring seamless operations even when colleagues are on vacation.
Dayforce data show 39% of employees feel more comfortable taking time off when there’s a formal team coverage plan; yet only 37–39% fully unplug during their vacations—suggesting a need for better support and culture changes.
4. Balance Work with Family Schedules
Working parents often face the biggest summer challenge: caring for kids out of school. One study found 75% of parents say their ability to focus at work depends on their children’s summer schedules; 1/3 check out midday or feel distracted by parenting duties.
- Set a family calendar marking work hours, camp drop-offs, and household duties.
- Arrange childcare or camps during peak work hours.
- Block “office hours” at home and enforce them—use headphones or a focused workspace.
- Communicate with supervisors about midday interruptions or adjusted hours—they’re often understanding.
Even during busy weeks, schedule quality time outside of work—like early dinners or weekend hikes—to stay connected with family.
5. Why This All Matters: The Case for Balance
Supporting summer balance isn’t just nice—it works. Employees with strong work-life support are up to 21% more productive, and balanced workplaces report improved morale and retention. Conversely, nearly 50% of workers say they’d leave if their job hurt their personal life.
Encouraging culture starts at the top: when leaders model unplugging, team members feel safer taking time off. Yet only around 39% of employees fully unplug during vacations, underscoring a real opportunity to improve policy and practice.
As Spring Health’s CHRO Karishma Patel Buford advises: “put your own oxygen mask on first…before your cup is empty and you’re running on fumes” — meaning prioritizing balance is essential to long-term success.
Conclusion
- Stay ahead of tasks to enjoy vacation stress-free.
- Lean into flexible schedules to maintain productivity.
- Coordinate coverage so no one feels overwhelmed.
- Plan around family needs and define clear boundaries.
- Model healthy unplugging at all levels.
With these tools, you can enjoy both a productive summer and the moments that matter most.
References
- Fast Company. “Why You Should Embrace Being Less Productive in the Summer.”
- Calendar.com. “Obstacles to Productivity During the Summer Months.”
- Dayforce. “Employees Are Slacking This Summer—and Feeling Stressed.”
- HR Brew. “To Avoid a Summer Slump, Some Employers Offer Flexible Work Policies.”
- Deseret News. “Workplace Productivity Declines in Summer.”
- UNLEASH. “58% of Workers Struggle to Switch Off While on Vacation.”
- Employee Benefits UK. “84% of Employees with Summer Flex Options Cannot Always Use Them.
- HR Reporter. “Do Employees Really Want Summer Flex Policies?”
- Recruiting Headlines. “58% of Workers Struggle to Switch Off While on Vacation.”
- Beat the Summer Slump
- 5 Practical Tips for Work-Life Balance
- Using AI Effectively in Your Job Search
Marion Adams, Director at Abel Personnel since 2013, is a master talent matchmaker known for finding “Purple Squirrel” candidates across PA, MD, and VA. She leads a dynamic team, blending tech-savvy recruiting with a personal touch to create perfect placements.