With the celebration of Memorial Day behind us, it is the unofficial start of summer in the northern part of the nation. Although it technically does not begin until the summer solstice on June 20 at 10:42 pm EDT, the pent-up demand for warmer days and longer days to spend time outside are welcome to most individuals. At the same time, the warmer weather and the increased distractions experienced by staff members introduce some challenges for business owners.
Many individuals and families take vacations and travel during the summer, so business owners must align scheduled time off with customer demands. It is key to the well-being of staff that they are given time to separate themselves from the daily operations of their duties. This time recharges the team and keeps the team engaged for longer cycles of time, which can thus contribute to the organization’s objectives. At the same time, the business leaders need to be sure that they pre-plan these travel windows so those not on vacation are significantly overburdened.
Hopefully, leadership has considered these matters much earlier than the start of summer, and all team members are fully aware of the organization’s time off policies. These policies are not to cause challenges for those taking time off but to ensure a level field of operation regardless of who is vacationing and who is manning the shop.
The start of summer can also be a great time to begin specific projects. Suppose your business tends to have a slower season during the summer months. In that case, this is a great time to implement those business improvement efforts that tend to be deferred during busier business seasons. Conversely, if summer is your busiest time of year, put those projects on hold and take them up in the off-season.
As you can likely see, it is all about being proactive and planning the ebb and flow of your business demands, talent, time off, and need to implement changes. Business is an active environment. When you look at it through the eyes of a professional athlete, your off-season is a preparation season, while the game-time season is the application of your planning.
Each industry and each business within those industries have various factors that need to be considered in the planning process. Some of the planning is done in the fall of a fiscal year to prepare for the upcoming year. Other planning takes place as details become available. As team members submit for time off, leadership needs to consider the request and the demands of the timeframe. It appears fairly straightforward, but lots of business owners struggle to get a good balance of time off, customer engagement, and contribution growth. None of these must suffer if proper planning and preparation are done in advance.
This week, as we near the official time off season, ensure your policies and plans are well understood and in place. Hence, your organization allows for summer time enjoyment and does not feel burdened by too many staff being off simultaneously, which causes customer outcomes to suffer.
As you enter the summer months, it may be a good time to engage a Promise Guide to assist in aligning yourself with best practices and outcomes. Give JKL Associates a call at MI (313) 527-7945 or FL (407) 984-7246.
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