Beating the Summer Slump: Keeping Performance and Motivation High During the Summer Holidays

Summer is a time many of us look forward to. Longer days, warmer weather, and the chance to take a well-earned break. But for employers and teams, these months often bring a unique challenge, the dreaded summer slump. Between school holidays, annual leave clashes, and the temptation to mentally check out, it can feel harder than ever to keep performance on track.

So how can businesses support their people to stay motivated and productive, without piling on unnecessary pressure? 

The good news is that it’s not about expecting everyone to work longer hours or sacrifice their holidays. It’s about setting clear priorities, working smarter, and being flexible.

One of the most effective ways to navigate the summer period is to shift the focus from hours at a desk to clear, measurable outcomes. When people are juggling childcare or working around family commitments, trust and flexibility are key. Managers should ask whether goals are achievable and whether any tasks could be paused or delegated until the team is back at full strength. This helps people stay focused on what really matters and reduces the risk of burnout.

Clear and open communication is essential too. With colleagues in and out of the office, it’s all too easy for wires to get crossed or important tasks to slip through the net. Encourage teams to keep shared calendars up to date so everyone knows who’s away and when. Good handovers, regular check-ins, and quick updates can make all the difference in keeping everyone in the loop and avoiding last-minute panic. If you’re wondering where to start, here’s a quick summer slump checklist to help you keep everyone motivated and on track:

• Set clear, realistic goals and communicate priorities
• Support flexible working (even if temporary) to accommodate childcare and holidays
• Use shared calendars to track annual leave and plan ahead
• Make sure handovers and documented processes are in place for people who are away
• Recognise and celebrate individual and team contributions
• Check workloads are balanced so no one feels overwhelmed
• Remind people to fully switch off when they’re on holiday

Summer can also be a great time to boost morale and keep motivation levels high. Even small gestures like recognising someone’s contribution in a meeting or sending a quick thank-you message can have a big impact. For teams experiencing a quieter workload, it might be the perfect opportunity to give people time to work on creative projects or personal development tasks that often get pushed aside during busier times.

Of course, looking after wellbeing should remain a top priority. People need to rest and recharge, so encourage your team to take their holidays fully and resist the urge to dip into emails from the poolside. Managers should also be mindful of those covering for colleagues. When someone is picking up extra work, make sure it’s manageable and that support is available if needed.

Finally, the summer lull can be the perfect time to plan ahead. Use this period to check that your performance processes still work for your business and your people:

• Do your managers feel confident having meaningful conversations about goals and development? 
• Could you use this quieter spell to refresh training or coaching plans so the team returns in September ready to hit the ground running?

The summer months don’t have to mean a drop in performance. With a people-first approach, good communication, and a healthy dose of trust and flexibility, businesses can keep motivation levels high and support their teams to thrive all year round.

If you’d like help creating a high-performing, engaged workplace, we’re here for you. Get in touch to find out how we can support you and your people to make work work, whatever the season.

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