HR heads reveal how they manage the summer sloooow down

It’s summer, school’s out and with half the workforce dipping in and out of work for their annual two week break, is it ok to give a little slack or should HR be putting in the supports to boost productivity lags? HR Grapevine spoke to two HR professionals to see what they do to keep their employees on the performance pulse.

Taking the heat out of it

Sammy Gaunt is Head of HR, SBD Apparel, a premium supports, apparel, and accessories business for strength sport athletes. With a headcount of 201 and many of those working inside the factory, the heat (when it comes) can be crippling.

“To combat summer distractions and heat that can often lead to a dip in output, we've implemented several measures aimed at keeping our team refreshed and motivated. Regular breaks, coupled with access to ice-cold water and complimentary ice creams or lollies in the canteen, help our employees stay cool and hydrated, reducing the adverse effects of the summer heat,” explains Gaunt.

The business has additionally injected some summer ‘fun’ into the mix, aligning themselves with the belief that if staff are happy, work rates will naturally follow.

Gaunt adds, “We've also added a touch of entertainment by allowing sports on TV in the canteen, which provides a healthy diversion. This helps our employees relax and recharge during their breaks, ultimately enhancing their focus and efficiency.”