In the UK, August stands out as the most popular month for employees to resign, accounting for 11.7 percent of all annual resignations, according to new data from Instant Offices.
The firm also noted a 50 percent surge in searches for ‘staff retention’ this week, highlighting the seasonal challenge employers face during the summer months.
Low summer staff retention can be linked to various challenges that differ across industries. A key factor is diminished motivation or appreciation during the summer. The warmer weather, school holidays, and the juggling of workloads as colleagues take turns for annual leave contribute to this trend.
To help employers keep their teams motivated and reduce the August resignation rate, Instant Offices offers several tips:
1. Encourage Flexible Working
Allowing employees to take extended lunch breaks to enjoy the sun can boost afternoon productivity. Exposure to nature and Vitamin D has well-documented benefits for energy levels and overall wellbeing.
2. Plan for Summer Cover
Ensuring adequate staffing during summer is crucial. Encourage employees to book their annual leave early, allowing time to arrange for temporary replacements. This can help employees enjoy their holidays without the stress of a backlog upon return and prevent KPIs from falling on a single team member.
3. Promote Socialising
Organising summer socials and events can provide employees with something to look forward to, rewarding their hard work and fostering stronger relationships among colleagues.
4. Maintain a Comfortable Temperature
Keeping the office at a comfortable temperature is essential for maintaining motivation. Providing comfortable summer clothing options, stocking the freezer with ice lollies, and ensuring the air conditioning is set appropriately can make a significant difference.
5. Embrace Outdoor Working
Consider holding one-on-one meetings or small discussions outdoors. A walk in the sunshine can be refreshing and boost creativity and engagement.
6. Facilitate Working from Home
Especially for parents during school holidays, offering flexible working from home options can help them manage childcare and work responsibilities more effectively, leading to better focus and productivity when they are at their desks.
7. Create a Pleasant Work Environment
While an office’s physical environment alone won’t retain employees, having a pleasant space with amenities like air conditioning, quality coffee, and snacks can enhance overall job satisfaction.
By implementing these strategies, employers can help mitigate the summer slump in motivation and retention, ensuring a more engaged and committed workforce throughout the year.
Amelia Brand is the Editor for HRreview, and host of the HR in Review podcast series. With a Master’s degree in Legal and Political Theory, her particular interests within HR include employment law, DE&I, and wellbeing within the workplace. Prior to working with HRreview, Amelia was Sub-Editor of a magazine, and Editor of the Environmental Justice Project at University College London, writing and overseeing articles into UCL’s weekly newsletter. Her previous academic work has focused on philosophy, politics and law, with a special focus on how artificial intelligence will feature in the future.
