As temperatures rise, so do challenges in the workplace. A recent survey reveals that over a quarter of British workers struggle to stay motivated during the summer months, with many feeling the pull of the warm weather and outdoor activities.
Contrary to the popular belief that summer is a time to relax, more than a third of UK employees report a heavier workload during the summer.
With colleagues on holiday and businesses ramping up for seasonal demands, the pressure intensifies for those still at their desks.
Frequent Breaks and the Need for Rest
The survey also found that 38 percent of Brits take more breaks during the summer, a trend linked to the difficulties in maintaining focus and the increased responsibilities many face during this period. On the flip side, 22 percent reported taking fewer breaks, potentially attempting to power through the demands, though this approach can be detrimental to both productivity and well-being.
Summer Holidays on the Rise
The summer season remains a popular time for holidays, with 42 percent of respondents taking more time off during these months. This trend is especially pronounced among families with school-aged children. However, a quarter of Brits admit to replying to work emails during their leave, highlighting the challenge of fully disconnecting from work.
Lack of Summer Perks
Despite the unique challenges of working through the summer, 70 percent of employees report that their companies offer no summer-specific benefits or flexible working options. While some businesses are adapting by offering perks, a significant gap remains in addressing the seasonal needs of workers.
Call for Flexible Summer Schedules
Nearly half of those surveyed expressed a desire for a different work schedule during the summer, with preferences for earlier start times, earlier finishes, or more flexible hours. This reflects the growing recognition of the benefits of adjusting work practices to align with the season.
Embracing the Outdoors
As many as 30 percent of Brits have taken to working outdoors during the summer, seizing the opportunity to escape the confines of the office. However, 44 percent of workers still remain indoors, possibly due to the nature of their jobs or lack of suitable outdoor spaces.
The findings underscore the importance of adapting workplace practices to better suit the summer season. From offering flexible hours to encouraging breaks and outdoor work, small changes could help mitigate the summer slump and boost overall productivity and employee satisfaction.
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.
