Survey results published by Dayforce in 2024 should be setting off alarm bells for managers of warehouse and industrial employees. The survey found that about 4 in 10 workers said they slack off during the summer months, and more than one-third of workers said they slack off when the boss is on summer vacation.
To be clear, it’s unrealistic and even cruel to stay on top of your employees 365 days a year. However, it’s important for them to remain productive during the summer months so your company doesn’t fall behind schedule.
Consider the following ways to keep warehouse and industrial employees engaged during the year’s warmest months.
Support Employees Taking Time Off
The Dayforce survey revealed another troubling result. Many employees don’t use vacation time in the summer because they’re worried about coverage and negative perceptions. If employees are forcing themselves to work when they want to be on vacation, they are far less likely to be engaged in their work.
An effective way to keep employees engaged is to have policies and a workplace culture that support taking time off. This might require creative solutions, especially when it comes to ensuring coverage. However, it will boost engagement, job satisfaction, and employee retention.
Help Them Keep Cool
Sometimes, employees are less productive due to heat exposure. Even worse, excessive heat can cause serious injuries. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, 980 manufacturing employees in the US had to miss at least one day of work due to heat exposure between 2021 and 2022.
Ensure there is adequate air flow through your facility. Allow workers to dress for the heat in ways that aren’t distracting or don’t compromise their safety. Hold meetings in a cool environment, whether that’s outside your facility or in an air-conditioned conference room.
Flex Schedules and Work
If keeping your employees out of the heat is difficult, consider flexing their schedules to start earlier in the day. If your employees can start at 5 or 6 a.m., they will minimize their exposure to the hottest times of the day.
You can also allow employees to do any administrative work from the comfort of their homes. This can help them get out of the heat, but it also gives them a better work-life balance during a time of year when they may have kids who are out of school.
Offer Incentives
Maintaining productivity during the summer is a challenge, but it’s also an opportunity. There are all kinds of sporting events, concerts, festivals, and other events during the summer. Offering passes and gift cards for these events is a great way to keep people engaged in ways you can’t do during the other seasons.
Let Us Support Summer Productivity at Your Manufacturing or Industrial Facility
At American StaffCorp, we’re dedicated to helping our clients maintain productivity year-round with custom staffing solutions. Please contact us today to discuss the ways we can keep your company productive through the hot weather.
