If you live in Canada, as we do, you know how short the summer season is – especially after the polar vortex we experience last winter.\u00a0 As a self-proclaimed \u2018sun worshipper\u2019 there is nothing I love more than a hot, sunny day in the summer.\u00a0 Thousands of Canadians flock to beaches, cottages, camps and patios in the summer to squeeze in as much outdoor time as possible before we need to return to our \u2018caves\u2019.<\/p>\n
It\u2019s for this reason that providing summer hours or flexible work schedules is a good idea.\u00a0 It allows employees the opportunity to maximize their enjoyment of the warmer weather and results in more engaged and productive employees when they are at the office.<\/p>\n
I once worked at a large pharmaceutical company in the US that had \u2018summer\u2019 hours for \u00a06 months a year.\u00a0 From daylight savings time in the Spring to daylight savings time in the Fall, we worked a compressed work week so that we could leave early on Fridays.\u00a0 This was a big perk for me since I was living away from home and it allowed me to either fly home earlier on Friday afternoons or have friends and family come visit me for the weekend.\u00a0 By maximizing my time during the week, I was rewarded with a lighter and more flexible Friday, every Friday, for months.\u00a0 I loved it. At n-gen we have seen this type of flexibility work very well for many of our clients.<\/p>\n
While many organizations offer flexible work arrangements, structured summer hours are even more successful because they minimize the guilt many employees say they feel when they leave early on Fridays knowing that their colleagues are still busy at the office.\u00a0 By instituting an early \u2018shut down\u2019 policy on Fridays, even if it\u2019s only for July and August, this encourages everyone to reap the benefits.\u00a0 If your business requires 24\/7 coverage, it is important to communicate how all employees can benefit from some form of flexibility.\u00a0 Ensure senior leaders adhere to summer hour policies by supporting, encouraging and reinforcing to employees the benefits of a condensed work week and not scheduling any work activities during the \u2018shut down\u2019 period of time.\u00a0 Leaders should also, walk the talk by leaving the office early with the rest of the team.<\/p>\n
Employees who have even a small degree of flexibility have significantly greater job satisfaction, stronger commitment to their employers and lower levels of stress. When employees feel that their leaders and the organization are invested in their well-being, their engagement levels rise.\u00a0 This translates into employees that:<\/p>\n
Every organization needs engaged employees to achieve their results.\u00a0 Employee engagement is the fuel for your business.\u00a0 Summer hours are a great way to get a big bang for your buck.\u00a0 A small adjustment to the work schedule can yield great results.<\/p>\n
While many businesses experience a slower season during the summer months, some industries are booming during this time, such as hospitality, retail and sports & entertainment industries.\u00a0 In these cases, it\u2019s important to communicate to employees why it is critical to have everyone working at full tilt during this period of time.\u00a0 Later in the year, when you have a slower period, you can provide greater flexibility.<\/p>\n
The options are diverse and should align best to your culture.\u00a0 Most of our clients offer at least one of the following options:<\/p>\n
Since there are only a few more weeks in summer, it may be too late for you to implement a formal summer hours policy this year. However, you still have time to encourage your senior leaders to sign off on an early shut down policy for the Friday of Labour Day weekend and for managers to use their discretion in scheduling work on Fridays in August.\u00a0 Let\u2019s get outside and enjoy the sunshine and reward employees for their hard work all year.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
Providing Flexible Work Schedules If you live in Canada, as we do, you know how short the summer season is – especially after the polar vortex we experience last winter.\u00a0 As a self-proclaimed \u2018sun worshipper\u2019 there is nothing I love … Continue reading