Most people associate the summer months with going to the pool, fireworks, and beach vacations. Workplace productivity tends to take a nosedive during the summer, but this doesn’t have to be the case for you. Let’s look at why the summer slump happens and how to stay motivated all year long.
Why are we less productive in nice weather?
If you feel like you’re less productive on nice days, it’s not just your imagination. Studies show that warm weather and longer daylight hours impact workplace productivity. There are several reasons for this phenomenon.
First, people are more likely to take vacations during the summer. If too many people at the company take time off at once, this can leave the remaining staff overburdened with work. Productivity can plummet when you have more work on your plate but not necessarily more time to accomplish it.
Plus, the longer summer days can impact circadian rhythms, causing you to get less sleep. Having less time to recover can impact your productivity levels and lower your engagement at work.
[Read more: How to Track Remote Worker Productivity]
5 summer productivity tips
Taking on more work and having less time to recover can become a vicious cycle that’s difficult to break. Here are five summer productivity tips to get you back on track.
1. Continue setting goals
Setting professional goals is one of the best ways to keep yourself motivated. When you know what you’re working toward every day, it’s easier to stay focused and avoid distractions. For example, you can set a goal to hit a certain performance target, complete a project, or learn a new skill. Just make sure it’s a goal that’s specific and measurable.
Once you have a goal, break it down into smaller daily tasks you can accomplish each day. Having these daily tasks will give you clarity and a sense of accomplishment as you complete them.
2. Stick to a routine
Schedules are often in flux during the summer months, especially for working parents. Not only are you trying to keep up with the demands of your job, but you’re busy navigating activities for kids. Many people let their routines fall by the wayside, but this is usually a mistake.
Having a structured routine gives your mind a break and helps eliminate decision fatigue. Set regular working hours and use time blocking, a time management method where you designate certain blocks of time for different tasks. Not only will this make you more productive, but some studies have shown that routines give people a greater sense of meaning in their lives.
Taking frequent breaks is another way to improve productivity and focus. Research shows that frequent breaks relieve stress, improve focus, and contribute to overall job satisfaction.
3. Take breaks
Taking frequent breaks is another way to improve productivity and focus. Research shows that frequent breaks relieve stress, improve focus, and contribute to overall job satisfaction. Walking, exercising, or meditating are all good ways to reset during the workday. That way, you can return to your work with improved focus and energy.
[Read more: 5 Productivity Hacks for Busy Entrepreneurs]
4. Avoid multitasking
Roughly 2% of the population is good at multitasking — for everyone else, trying to focus on more than one thing at once leads to a significant drop in productivity. Multitasking involves switching back and forth between several different tasks at once. Because you’re constantly shifting gears, you never get into the flow of any one activity.
Start by eliminating needless distractions from your workday. For example, schedule one or two times a day where you can respond to and clear out emails from your inbox. List out your priorities ahead of time so you always know what you need to be working on.
5. Adjust your workweek
Finally, consider switching to a four-day workweek. Companies around the world have been conducting studies on four-day workweeks, and the results are overwhelmingly positive. A four-day workweek leads to greater productivity, fewer sick days, and less stress.
Talk to your employer about the benefits of a four-day workweek to see if it might be an option. And if you’re a business owner, research the benefits and consider whether this would be a viable option for your team.
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