The craving for summer fun and relaxation that working adults feel when the temperatures rise can be potent. Rather than let team members deal with the mental and emotional burden of being stuck inside and busy all summer on their own, many companies take special measures to make the warmer months more enjoyable for their staff.
What are the best ways to ensure employees come out of the summer feeling energized and excited about moving into the fall at work? Here, 12 members of Forbes Agency Council share great employee perks and cultural bonding activities specifically suited to summertime.
Forbes Agency Council members share perks and cultural activities that can make the summer months more enjoyable for employees.
Photos courtesy of the individual members.
1. Extra Days Off
In recognition of our team’s work and dedication in the first half of the year, we instituted a Summer Fridays program that offers employees two additional Fridays off that can be used between Memorial Day and Labor Day. This creates opportunities for a few more three-day weekends during a time when we want to encourage our team to enjoy time with friends and family. – Melissa Bouma, Manifest
2. Department-Hosted Happy Hours
One company activity we have is called Patio Hustles, where each department gets a budget to create a themed happy hour event. These are held on our rooftop, and departments compete for the best Patio Hustle with décor, food, drinks, music, entertainment, etc. This encourages employees to step away from their desks, enjoy the summer air and take the time to engage with one another in a laid-back atmosphere. – Brett Hyman, NVE Experience Agency
3. Outdoor Team Competitions
Prior to Covid, we hosted annual Summer Beach Games. Being located in Southern California, kicking off summer at the beach is tradition. It’s a great way to get all of the staff together and form teams to compete in a variety of games, and of course, catering food and drinks is a big plus for everyone to enjoy. We would do this in early June to kickstart summer Friday hours. – Todd Juneau, Vujà Dé Digital
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4. Optional On-Call Fridays
Our team of public relations professionals has always been a remote workforce, even before Covid-19. We know it can be difficult to find a balance between work and home life. That’s why we enact optional On-Call Fridays during the warm summer months: They’re a flexible way to ensure each of our team members can enjoy a few long weekends to rest and recharge while still supporting client needs. – Evan Nison, NisonCo
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5. Airline Gift Vouchers
We provided the entire agency with airline gift vouchers as a way to embrace our culture of unlimited PTO. Not only is this a financial incentive for employees to plan a getaway vacation, but it is also a win for the agency when employees come back refreshed, recharged and ready to win. – Ethan Parker, Treble
6. Closing At Noon On Fridays
This summer, we decided to close the office (virtually) at noon on Fridays. This means that every employee gets a 2 1/2-day weekend, and it’s been really great thus far. Having those extra hours off on Friday afternoon allows people more time to recharge, and it’s really beneficial to have a few “business hours” to get errands, appointments, etc. done when you have busy weeks. – Kelsey Raymond, Influence & Co.
7. Outdoor Game Night Gatherings
Outdoor happy hours and game night gatherings are perfect for the summer. Encouraging employees to work outside and take advantage of the warmer weather can help them reconnect with nature and reduce stress. – Jordan Edelson, Appetizer Mobile LLC
8. Employee Cookouts With Their Families
One thing that is very nice in the summer is having a cookout. It is a good way to get people outside and allows them to get to know each other a little better. That also means that families are able to be a part of the equation too, which leads to great collaboration. – Jon James, Ignited Results
9. A Variety Of Perks To Choose From
Individuals are uniquely motivated, so taking a one-size-fits-all approach may miss the mark. When it comes to company perks, allowing individuals to choose the options that work for them delivers greater impact and also follows the “segmentation, customization, personalization” mantra of effective engagement. For example, let employees choose between summer hours, free fitness classes or a few more stock options. – Crystal Sargent, Invested Advisors
10. Escape Rooms And Talent Shows
In areas with high vaccination rates, escape rooms are a great way for employees to tackle compelling problems in an interactive group setting. The team environment highlights each person’s unique strengths and gives co-workers a shared experience to bond over long-term. Companywide talent shows, guest speakers and cocktail parties are also fun options for fostering virtual team building. – Ricky Ray Butler, BEN
11. Outdoor Community Service Projects
The summer months present a great opportunity for your team to participate in an outdoor community service project. Whether it’s a neighborhood cleanup effort, planting trees, pulling weeds in a community garden or installing playground equipment, your employees will generally appreciate the extra dose of sunshine, time outside of the office and the satisfaction of giving back. – Sara Steever, Paulsen
12. An Outdoor Potluck
An outdoor potluck is an easy, affordable way to enjoy the sunshine alongside fellow co-workers. Sharing a meal together away from an office setting lets people build stronger relationships that go beyond employee status. – Hannah Trivette, NUVEW Web Solutions
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Author: Expert Panel®, Forbes Councils Member
