Here’s How to Support Your Team During the Seasonal Slowdown

When the sun is out and vacation plans are in full swing, business tends to slow down. That’s not just anecdotal, it’s a seasonal rhythm most industries experience, with fewer meetings, quieter inboxes, and longer turnaround times. As we’ve explored in our post on managing a business summer slowdown, this time of year can be an opportunity to reassess goals, reallocate resources, or lean into longer-term strategy.

But what about your team? While operations may ease, your employees don’t automatically switch into relaxation mode. They’re still showing up, physically or virtually, navigating heat waves, drained energy, and the general urge to be anywhere but at their desks.

If your business is adapting to summer, your people should be part of the equation. From rethinking schedules to adjusting office conditions and expectations, there are smart, simple ways to make this season more bearable, and even energizing, for your team. Because when your employees feel supported, even the slowest season can become a foundation for stronger engagement and long-term retention.

In This Article:

Tips for Supporting Employees This Summer

Here are some things to keep in mind as your employees transition into summer mode.

It Can be Too Hot to Work

Summer heat isn’t just uncomfortable, it’s distracting. When the office feels stuffy or uncomfortably warm, it’s no surprise that focus and productivity take a hit. Even if your team is working from home, indoor spaces can become oppressive as temperatures rise, and the mental fatigue from trying to “push through” is real.

Start with the basics: make sure your HVAC system is running efficiently, filters are clean, and airflow is unobstructed. But if you’re still struggling with temperature consistency, the issue might be more structural. Poor insulation, undetected air leaks, or roofing issues can let hot air seep in or cool air escape, making climate control a constant battle.

In these cases, it may be time to consider professional commercial roofing services to assess and seal problem areas, especially in older buildings. 

Summer Weather Kills the 9-to-5

Even with a well-cooled office, summer brings a psychological shift. Bright mornings and late sunsets make the traditional 9-to-5 feel rigid, especially when employees are commuting home in peak afternoon heat or staring longingly out the window at a perfect summer day. Add to that family routines shifting for school breaks and travel plans, and suddenly your once-reliable schedule feels out of sync with real life.

Rather than fighting the season, adapt to it. Consider offering flexible hours: allow early birds to start (and end) their day earlier, or encourage extended lunch breaks followed by later wrap-ups. Some teams benefit from split shifts or modified hours that reflect real-time energy patterns.

Flexibility during summer doesn’t mean lower productivity; it often means better focus during working hours and a more energized team. When employees can align their workdays with the realities of the season, they’re less resentful, more motivated, and more likely to stay engaged through the slower months.

Dreaming of Sandy Beaches at Their Desk

Let’s face it, summer brain is real. When the sun is shining and half your client base is on vacation, it’s tough for employees to stay fully engaged five days a week. Instead of fighting the lull, use it to your advantage by testing out a four-day workweek during the summer months.

Studies show that a shorter workweek can increase focus, reduce burnout, and even improve output. With fewer meetings and lower demand, summer is the ideal time to experiment without risking deadlines or customer service.

Giving your team Fridays off or rotating shorter days signals that you trust them to manage their responsibilities while also valuing their well-being. It creates a sense of reward and renewal at a time when motivation can dip. Plus, those long weekends can leave people returning on Monday feeling refreshed, not just physically but mentally. When your team knows you’re willing to adjust for them, they’re more likely to show up engaged and ready to contribute.

The Dress Code Is the Real Heatwave

Summer workdays can feel even longer when your team is expected to wear layers that trap heat and restrict comfort. Buttoned-up dress codes may look professional, but in July, they can lead to real discomfort, and distracted, sweaty employees aren’t exactly primed for productivity.

Loosening the dress code doesn’t mean losing all standards. It means being thoughtful about what summer-appropriate professionalism looks like. Lightweight fabrics, breathable materials, and smart-casual options like polo shirts, flowy dresses, or tailored shorts can make a big difference in how your team feels throughout the day.

Consider setting seasonal guidelines that prioritize comfort while maintaining a polished appearance. The more comfortable your employees feel, the less energy they’ll spend adjusting collars, fanning themselves, or dreaming about changing into loungewear. A relaxed dress code is a small gesture that signals trust, and in return, your team can stay cool, collected, and focused on the work that matters.

Create “Cool Down” Zones for Midday Recharge

Even with great temperature control, summer can still zap energy. Afternoon slumps are common, especially when the heat outside lingers and the workday feels endless. One way to combat this? Offer your team intentional spaces to rest, reset, and recharge.

A cool-down zone doesn’t need to be fancy. A shaded patio, a break room with comfortable seating and lower lighting, or even a quiet area with chilled water and fruit can go a long way. The idea is to create a place where employees can momentarily step away from the noise, the screen glare, and the to-do list, especially during those peak energy dips in the afternoon.

Encouraging employees to take short, meaningful breaks can lead to better decision-making, improved focus, and fewer errors. It’s not about escaping work, it’s about supporting people so they can come back to it with clarity. During the slower summer months, these small investments in recovery can make a noticeable difference in morale and momentum.

Let Summer Spark Creativity

A seasonal slowdown doesn’t have to be a creative slump. In fact, with fewer deadlines and less external pressure, summer is the perfect time to re-energize your team with projects that fuel curiosity and innovation.

Encourage employees to use quieter weeks to explore passion projects, brainstorm new approaches, or collaborate cross-functionally in low-stakes ways. You might even carve out dedicated time for idea swaps, casual knowledge-sharing sessions, or professional development that typically gets pushed aside during busy periods.

Hopefully, these few ideas can help you turn the summer low into a peak time for team productivity, creativity, and overall satisfaction. If you need some support to keep your content going this summer, get in touch with us! We can create great content while your team heads on vacay.