3 Summer Perks to Keep Employees Engaged and Productive 

By Kathryn Hines 

Summertime is an exciting time of the year. It's the beginning of a season full of opportunities to connect with family and begin a reset. School ends, schedules change, and vacations are on the uptick for families to unite. 

But summer can also mean difficulty keeping employees engaged. We'll explore some key ways to keep your team happy and dedicated. Let's start by understanding what employee engagement is. Employee engagement is the employee's emotional commitment to their organization and its goals. Engagement drives your team to give their best work, show dedication, and go beyond basic job duties. Here are 3 things organizations can do to encourage employee engagement for the summer and beyond. 

Communication 

Communication is an essential part of employee engagement.   In today's ever-changing environment, people seek stability. Regardless of economic fluctuations, employees value clarity and connection. A strong strategy of communication keeps employees informed and helps manage their outlook on their professional growth as well as manage any personal change they are considering.  

Summer newsletters are one example of how to communicate your organizational direction. You can use your newsletter to create a feeling of personal and professional connection. It ensures employees are aware of where the organization is going. It helps the employee trust the organization's ability to persevere through uncertain times. It’s also a chance for the company to remind employees how valuable they are to its success. Highlighting wins and progress helps everyone feel more connected. It gives employees a clearer view of their future with the organization and encourages them to stay motivated. 

Time 

Time can be a strong motivator during the summer. Many people plan vacations, and with school out, families may face new (and often expensive) childcare needs. Summer is a great time to offer options like half-day Fridays or shorter workdays during the week. These flexible hours help employees stay focused, reach their goals, and still enjoy more time with family and friends. 

Corporate supported family activities 

Summer is a great time for organizations to support employees’ health, wellness, and family life. Offering perks like discounts to gyms, healthy restaurants, or local family activities helps employees feel cared for both at work and at home. For example, partnering with a local swim club or sponsoring a family movie night can go a long way. When people see that their well-being matters, they’re more likely to stay engaged and connected to the team. Even small gestures can have a big impact! So, think about what might work for your team this summer. 

Summer gives organizations a unique chance to strengthen team engagement. By communicating clearly, managing time wisely, and showing real support, you can help your team stay focused and motivated. When employees feel informed, valued, and have some flexibility, it sets the stage for stronger performance not only now but also in the months ahead. 

How are you leveraging summer to keep your team engaged? Let us know in the comments. 

Need more ideas? We've got you covered. Check out more tips and insights on our blog, website, LinkedIn, or just reach out. TalentRemedy is here to help you build a better hiring process, every step of the way. We support our clients with thoughtful, intentional interview strategies. We help uncover the real experiences and skills that candidates bring to the table, ensuring you make the best hire for both the role and your team. Reach out to us at info@talentremedy.com or 703-362-0175 to explore how we can streamline your recruiting process and help you find the right fit.