Ah, summer, the season of sunshine, BBQs, and… staffing nightmares?! If you run a business, you’ll know what we’re talking about: that summer often brings its unique challenges.
For some businesses, summer means a surge in demand but not enough staff to manage it. For others, it’s a seasonal slowdown that leaves them paying a team who is twiddling their thumbs. Both lead to their own issues, and both bring stress and headaches.
So how can you manage this?
No matter which side of the fence you’re on, we’ve got some practical strategies to help you navigate the season (spoiler alert: planning ahead is essential!).
For businesses that get busier in summer
If summer is your peak season, you’re likely dealing with the double challenge of higher customer demand but fewer available employees due to holidays. Here’s how to keep things running smoothly:
1. Plan ahead for holiday requests
Nobody wants to deny well-earned holiday time, but you also can’t have half your team off at once. Setting clear guidelines, such as limiting how many people can take leave at the same time, prevents last-minute staffing crises.
2. Hire seasonal or temporary workers
If demand spikes in the summer, consider hiring seasonal employees, students, or temporary staff to help out. A good staffing agency can quickly connect you with pre-screened, qualified candidates.
3. Offer flexible schedules and remote work
Employees appreciate work-life balance, especially in the summer. Where possible, offer flexible hours, staggered shifts, or remote work options. This keeps your team motivated while ensuring enough coverage to meet demand.
4. Boost productivity with incentives
When demand is high, it’s worth rewarding employees who go the extra mile. Consider offering:
- Overtime pay or shift bonuses
- Extra time off later in the year
- Performance-based rewards
Even small incentives can boost morale and keep your team engaged when things get busy.
For businesses that slow down in summer
On the flip side, some businesses experience a summer lull with lower demand and fewer sales, yet still have employees to pay with not much to do. If this sounds familiar, here’s how to make the most of the quieter months:
1. Encourage holidays during the slow season
If summer is quiet for your business, this is the best time for staff to use up their annual leave. Encouraging employees to take their time off now prevents a backlog of holiday requests during peak business months.
2. Invest in training and development
With fewer customer demands, use the downtime to upskill your team. Whether it’s staff training, workshops, or leadership development, investing in employee growth ensures that when things pick up again, your team is ready to perform at their best.
3. Introduce flexible work arrangements
If work is slow, consider reduced hours, remote work, or job-sharing. This allows employees to maintain a work-life balance while ensuring you’re not overstaffed.
4. Explore alternative revenue streams
A summer slowdown doesn’t have to mean lost revenue. Use the time to test new products, services, or marketing strategies. Whether it’s offering seasonal promotions, targeting a different customer base, or launching an online offering, there are ways to stay profitable even during the lull.
Stay one step ahead of summer staffing
Whether summer brings a rush of customers or a seasonal slowdown, smart planning is the key to staying in control. It really is as simple as that. If you can manage holiday requests, hire seasonal staff, or upskill your team during the quieter times, you can easily turn staffing challenges into opportunities.
Don’t forget that your financial strategy matters, too. Need help planning for seasonal payroll changes? A qualified accountant can help you budget and manage cash flow with ease. Get in touch today.
