Summer sunshine not so sunny for worker productivity

Huntress survey finds workers spend more time out of the office over summer- or at least daydreaming about the beach! Summer sun may be good for the soul, but is it good for employee productivity? As the first heat of summer hits offices across the country, Huntress, the UKís fastest growing specialist search and selection consultancy, has just conducted a survey into employee productivity during the summer period. Businesses should prepare to have fewer staff spending less time in the office over summer - and if they are there, chances are they’re daydreaming about the beach.

The survey, conducted across Huntressí extensive candidate database, found that 58% of employees are planning to get out of the office and take a holiday of a week or more this summer. A huge 68% also admit to daydreaming about being on holiday while at work over the summer months and 24% actually felt their productivity levels dropped over the same period.

The study also found that workers are more likely to leave the office for breaks over the summer. 60% of those surveyed said they would take their lunch break outside the office in the summer months, with 63% saying they will leave the office earlier to be outside while the weather is better. Julia Vassie, Commercial Director of Huntress, comments: We always see a big demand for temporary staff over the summer period when staff are taking the majority of their annual leave.

Vassie offers some practical advice for employers looking to minimise the interruption caused to workers during the heat of summer: As far as is humanly possible, employers need to ensure that staff are kept comfortable with adequate cooling systems and plenty of cold water or refreshments available. Employers could also consider flexible working hours so employees can start and finish earlier.