Like every season, summer has its own distinct features. It conjures up visions of cookouts, ice cream, and leisurely walks on the beach. Summer also adjusts expectations for many businesses because it perennially reigns as the most traditional time for vacations. Just as a company’s staff takes rounds of leave, it follows that their customers will too. Provisional work schedules are created; bigger projects may be deferred. But an ebb of activity doesn’t equal a full stop. What can be done to optimize the circumstances of the summer workplace?
If you find yourself less busy with standard business operations during summer work hours, there is an opportunity to gauge your routine in a deliberate way. It’s an exercise that, in the middle of peak work seasons, may be elusive. That means taking the time to thoroughly review the processes and tools serving you dependably and—just as importantly—the ones that are less useful. Consider which modifications might contribute to your work’s quality, efficiency, and overall productivity.
Also, a slower summer company pace might afford you the chance to increase your value to the workplace—and boost your resume—by training to upskill or reskill. Continuing education is an increasingly fundamental component of professional development and career security. Industries of the 21st century require versatile, flexible employees to adapt to the evolving nature of work. A variety of online certification courses from USF Corporate Training and Professional Training are constructed—and scheduled—with working people in mind.
When it’s your turn to be out of the office, take full advantage! Some distance—both geographic and metaphorical—between you and the office is beneficial in several ways. Of course, vacations take many shapes and forms. Do you go with family, friends—or ride solo? Does your itinerary require a passport, a full tank of gas, or a backyard hammock? it doesn’t matter when mind, body, and spirit are relaxed and refreshed. The best vacations are high-value, rewarding experiences, and—hopefully—make the transition back to the workplace a little easier.
If the next few months at work have less meetings, less e-mails to respond to, and…well, less of almost everything, go with the workflow! Use the seasonal conditions to your advantage by staying actively engaged to keep your professional edge. Apply self-improvement strategies as your schedule permits and take needed vacation time. Here’s hoping this summer will afford you with time for each. Before you know it, full staffing and busy calendars will return. For now, though, it’s a good time to stock up on sunscreen.