Firms urged to act now on productivity decline often seen in summer months

With research showing that workplace productivity declines during the holiday season, firms are being urged to address the ‘summer slump’ now.

According to figures, productivity in the workplace can decline up to 20% during the summer and project timelines can increase by 13%.

People development company Insights is urging businesses to act now to avoid the ‘summer slump’ with its ‘Leader’s Guide to Combating the Summer Slowdown’.

David Bowes, Head of People at Insights, said, “Too many leaders plan for absence, not impact. You’re not just losing a person for two weeks – you may be losing your team’s planner, your motivator, your quiet fixer. These personality gaps can derail performance if they’re not anticipated.

“Slump-proofing the summer starts well before anyone checks in at the airport.

“Smart leaders know the real risk isn’t people taking time off – as employees are entitled to a guilt-free break with family and friends – but the lack of planning for how their absence shifts team dynamics and leaving team members underequipped.”

Some of the Insights recommendations include:

• Don’t just fill seats – fill roles with the right personalities. Identify essential responsibilities and match cover to team strengths.
• Prevent burnout by planning workload balance. Avoid overburdening the few who remain.
• Clarify what’s critical. Set clear boundaries on what needs doing now, next, and later.
• Communicate the gaps. Let the team know what skills or behaviours will be missing during absences, who’s stepping up, and how others can support.
• Empower decision-making. Make sure authority and timelines are clear and pair less confident team members with peers for backup and reassurance.

To find out more about contracting, please contact Jaime on 01442 795 100 or email jaime.thorpe@dolanaccountancy.com.