The summer's over, and routines and schedule start to shift with a back to school mindset. So how can you get and keep your team energized and excited for the rest of the year? The following tips can help.
- Organize an office event. It can be challenging for even the most dedicated employees to focus on work again for eight hours a day after having spent days or weeks relaxing with their loved ones. Give your team members the opportunity to reconnect with each other by organizing a special lunch or after-work event so they can share vacation stories and photos. You can even organize a contest for the funniest vacation picture or similar to make the event more engaging.
- Offer flexible hours. It can be helpful to offer employees flexible work hours and early Fridays so they can still make the most of the nice weather before the cold arrives. This can help reduce their overall stress levels and help them avoid burnout.
- Set goals. It's helpful for your team to know what they're working towards. Divide each project you're working on into small steps and pinpoint when each step needs to be completed. Then assign specific tasks to each person so that employees know what's expected of them.
- Don't micromanage. While a lot of employees like feedback, many don't like to be micromanaged. Show your people that you trust them by assigning them their tasks and allowing them to proceed as they see fit. Just make sure they know that if they need your support, your door is open for them.
- Offer incentives. Offering incentives such as bonuses, time off and gift cards can be a really good way to get your team excited about work. If they have something to look forward to beyond their salary, they're much more likely to go above and beyond.
- Show your gratitude. Incentives are always welcome; however, it's also important to simply thank your employees and acknowledge how much their contributions mean to the business. If you want to make even more of an impression, highlight hardworking team members or top-performing employees in a group email or in your company newsletter.
It might take a bit of work to energize your workforce after the summer, but it will be worth it. If you can motivate your team to do their best, it will boost morale and productivity ━ and that benefits your team, your business and yourself.
