Summer Perks? It’s About Time

Workers love summer benefits. So what is the hottest summer perk? According to a survey done by staffing firm OfficeTeam, flexible schedules (39 percent) and the ability to leave early on Fridays (30 percent) are the benefits workers name as their favorites.

Unfortunately, fewer companies are providing these benefits. Only sixty-two percent of human resources (HR) managers reported their company offers flexible summer schedules, compared to 75 percent in a 2012 survey. 57 percent of employers relaxed their dress codes during the summer months in 2012, a number that has currently dropped to 29 percent. Companies which allowed workers to leave early on Fridays also dropped to 20 percent, a 43-point decline from 2012.

Workers surveyed by OfficeTeam said the most appealing summer perks are flexible schedules (39%) and the ability to leave early on Fridays (30%). But companies have cooled off on providing these benefits. 62% of HR managers reported their organization offers flexible schedules at this time of year, down from 75% in a 2012 survey. About three in 10 employers (29%) relax their dress codes in the summer, compared to 57% five years ago. Companies with shorter Friday hours also fell to 20%.

View an infographic of the research.

When asked, “Which, if any, of the following summer benefits are offered at your company?” HR managers responded*:

	2017	2012
Flexible schedules	62%	75%
More relaxed dress code	29%	57%
Leaving early on Fridays	20%	63%
Activities such as a company picnic or potluck	17%	28%

*Multiple responses permitted. Top responses shown.

Additional findings:

• More than one-third of HR managers (34 percent) said workers have a poorer job performance during the summer months, while an equal percentage (34 percent) feel there’s no drop-off in production.   
• The most commonly identified negative employee behaviors during summer were not planning well for vacations (32 percent) and unexpected absences (22 percent). Other regularly mentioned negative behavior included dressing too casually (19 percent), sneaking in late or leaving early (15 percent), and being mentally checked out (12 percent).

“When the weather’s nice and thoughts turn to plans outside the office, it’s natural for employees to be distracted. But by embracing summer in the workplace, savvy companies can maintain staff productivity and morale,” according to Brandi Britton, a district president for OfficeTeam. “Easy ways to keep employees loyal and engaged include letting them modify their schedules, leave early on Fridays or dress more casually when it’s hot out.”

OfficeTeam suggests five tips for managers to help staff be productive at work during summer:

1. Be Flexible. Offer flexible schedules to allow employees more control over how they spend their time, and occasionally let them leave early on Fridays. Make sure these policies are clear so business can continue as usual.
2. Relax dress code. If it doesn’t detract from work, allow staff who aren’t customer- or client-facing to wear more casual attire, as long as it doesn’t detract from work. You might even consider establishing themed Fridays where Hawaiian shirts or sports apparel are encouraged.
3. Go outside. Holding meetings outside or while taking a walk is a great way to break up the monotony and get some fresh air while achieving business objectives. 
4. Rally for time off. Encourage workers to take time off and occasionally do so yourself. Use temporary professionals to fill in during absences.
5. Relax and have some fun. Plan an ice cream break, picnic or group outing which allows employees to relax and have fun with colleagues in a non-work setting.