Keeping cool: beat the summer productivity slump with these 3 tips

With employees jetting off, organising summer parties and juggling school holiday childcare, summer can be a hectic season for many. And new research has found that it is impacting a large portion of the workforce, with two-thirds (61%) of staff reporting a slump in productivity over summer[1].

Tiredness, uncomfortable office temperatures, dehydration and headaches, among others, were cited as key contributors to this declining productivity.[1] With a further 30% admitting that they typically lose between 30 and 60 minutes of effective work time per day in summer[1], HR must consider ways to keep staff engaged, energised and productive.

Our 10 Years of Britain’s Healthiest Workplace report found that, in a 10-year period, lost productivity has more than doubled.[2] Not only can this result in employee turnover and low morale, but it can also have a significant impact on businesses: in 2023, this represented a staggering £138bn in lost productivity to the UK economy.[2] 

Aside from relaxing office dress codes and offering flexible working arrangements, we’ve put together three tips to help you beat the summer slump, keep employees engaged and productive. 

1. (Ice) cool treats 

While some will be catching rays in Cornwall, there will be other employees who are still at work so it’s important to provide treats to make office working easier and enjoyable. According to the Financial Times, conference organiser Hyve Group installed a free ice cream cart in the office as part of their summer perks offering – which could provide food for thought for other employers.[3] 

Providing ice-cold perks can help to boost morale but can also give employees a reason to step away from their desks, socialise with colleagues and take a short break which can increase focus. With data from the University of Sydney finding that five-minute breaks from difficult tasks can boost performance, this tip could be one way to scoop up some extra productivity![4] 

2. Summer soirees and team-building activities  

Whether it’s an Office Olympics, department-wide BBQ or summer meetup, take advantage of the lighter and longer days and organise team-building activities to engage your staff and foster camaraderie. Circulate a survey or a poll including various social ideas to ensure that you land on an event that your staff want to participate in. 

Team social events provide a great opportunity to bring your workforce together – particularly if staff work remotely some or most of the time – and boost morale. With research from the University of Warwick finding that happiness makes people more productive at work, putting on team-building activities is a win-win for staff and the business.[5] 

It’s worth noting studies have found that some employees prefer socialising with colleagues in work hours, as opposed to post-work, so a one-off early finish one day could help to facilitate this.[6] 

Want to get staff involved in a steps-based challenge this summer? 

Tapping into the power of gamification and social accountability, Vitality's new Employee Challenges initiative can be a great way to get staff active.

The more employees move, the more they can benefit from rewards in the Vitality programme – a win-win for businesses and their employees.  

Find out more:

3. A change of (meeting) scenery  

With the sun soaring in the sky, employers should make the most of warmer temperatures and encourage meetings and 1-2-1s to be held outside. Whether it’s a rooftop meeting (if you are lucky enough to have one!), chats hosted at an on-site bench or a walk around the lake or local area, this change of scenery can really help to break the repetition of office working. 

Assuming you don’t need to be at your desk for a meeting, you could have a walking 1-2-1 for a change. Not only does this give teams a break, but employees may also feel more comfortable having more difficult or sensitive conversations away from the office. Plus, according to Vitality’s Head of Mental Health and Wellbeing, Yetunde Bankole, chats among nature are great for improving productivity and “helping to get the creative juices flowing”. 

Make the most of Vitality rewards this summer 

If staff are feeling a productivity slump this summer, employers can support them to be healthier and more productive. It’s not just the right thing to do, but it’s good for business too. 

Through workplace Private Medical Insurance plans, employees who are Vitality members can access a variety of rewards by tracking activities such as daily walks or gym visits. From discounted wellness trips to Champneys to free Caffè Nero drinks to cash back on Good Health food at Waitrose & Partners, there is plenty on offer! 

[1]  Summer slump: 61% of workers are less productive, HR Magazine 

[2] 10 years of Britain's Healthiest Workplace: The changing face of the UK at work, 2025 

[3] Half-days, free ice cream and more WFH as companies revive August perks, FT 

[4] 5-minute brain break: refresh your mind (anywhere), The University of Sydney  

[5] New study shows we work harder when we are happy, The University of Warwick

[6] Is lunch hour the new happy hour? Majority of American workers want to socialise during work hours, according to new ezCater Survey 

Related: UK productivity is at a crossroads