Ah, summer. That time of year when the sun shines brighter, the days are longer, and outdoor activities abound. If it feels like you’re competing for employees’ attention on those picture-perfect days, that’s because you are. According to a Gallup Workplace study:
U.S. employee engagement fell to 31% in 2024, the lowest in a decade.
Don’t let rising temperatures melt away your team’s motivation. Keep reading for five proven methods for improving employee engagement and maintaining employee productivity as summer approaches.
1. Plan outdoor social outings.
Turn up the heat on your company’s social calendar. Organize fun, outdoor team-building events like scavenger hunts, picnics, and hiking—or consider virtual events and local meet-ups to include remote and hybrid work arrangements. These activities double as a source of content for sizzling internal comms. Share photos and highlights in your newsletter and on social media to drive engagement.
2. Lighten the mood with light-hearted content.
As teams become more spread out, a lack of engagement can intensify feelings of isolation. People-focused comms, like employee spotlights or quick facts about team members, are a fun way to keep people connected no matter where they sit. You can also lean into seasonal user generated content—think vacation photo challenges or sharing summer playlists—to help foster a sense of community.
3. Dive into learning opportunities.
The summer months are great for investing in professional development—particularly microlearning opportunities. These short, manageable modules are both practical and appealing, especially during summer months when distractions peak. Don’t think your employees want help with honing their skills? Think again. According to the 2022 Emeritus Global Career Impact Survey:
89% of professionals surveyed said they feel more engaged at work when they are learning new skills and concepts.
4. Make a splash with recognition programs.
Take time to celebrate your employees’ hard work by implementing a real-time recognition program. Instant acknowledgement is a much more effective way to motivate your people and reinforce positive behaviors—immediately. If you have a hybrid or remote workplace, consider a digital platform to ensure everyone is included.
5. Don’t forget the SPF (Strategic Planning & Feedback).
Longer days are perfect for reevaluating company goals—with the help of your employees. Encourage them to contribute feedback and fresh ideas to strengthen your strategy. You can also use surveys to discover what drives your employees. Oddly enough, summer is the best time to deploy employee engagement surveys. A 2025 report notes that:
93% of organizations hold internal communicators responsible for employee engagement, emphasizing the importance of strategic planning and feedback.
There you have it. Our top tactics for maintaining employee productivity during summer. Put those to work and your employees will bring their A-game—even when the beach is calling their name.
