Summer, and the warm weather that comes with it, is finally here! While summer is good for the soul, it can present distractions that can hinder your work. Studies show that productivity can drop up to 20% in the summer months and projects can take 13% longer to complete. Luckily, there are some simple ways to keep your productivity up while still enjoying the summer:
Set Work Goals for the Summer
Working towards a goal is a great way to motivate yourself to stay productive. In the dog days of summer, when the office seems empty and projects may not be as plentiful as usual, setting goals is a great way to stay busy. Map out your current projects and set goals for completion dates. If you’ve been trying to fit in some skills training but never seem to have the time, add it to your schedule and set goals for when you would like to complete it. Don’t forget that summer is also a great time to catch up on work that you may have slipped in the previous quarter.
Take Advantage of the Weather and Eat/ Take Breaks Outside
Just because you are working indoors doesn’t mean that you shouldn’t take advantage of the beautiful summer weather. Studies show taking breaks and lunches outdoors can help alleviate stress, and taking even a short walk can help you focus. You may want to ask your manager about taking your laptop and working outside for a little bit. A change in scenery, and some fresh air, is a great way to stimulate the mind and generate new ideas.
Keep Vacation Planning Outside Of Work Hours
Planning a vacation can be fun, just don’t do it during work hours. Scanning Pinterest and travel articles to find the best food and locales for your upcoming trip isn’t just going to be frowned upon by management (and by your co-workers), but it will also be a drain on your productivity. Save your research for your lunch hour or, better yet, for when you get home.
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