Does Productivity Suffer in the Summertime?

The temperatures are rising, the sun is shining, flowers are blooming and winter is already only a memory. While it might seem a foregone conclusion that this change might cause workers' attention to shift to the great outdoors instead of their jobs, a new poll shows that summertime does not necessarily equal decreased productivity.

Laura Walter

May 4, 2012

2 min read

According to the survey of 570 working Americans from Workplace Options and Public Policy Polling, most American workers believe their work productivity does not take a hit during the summertime. One in five respondents (19 percent) admitted their personal productivity suffers when the weather is nice, while one in four (26 percent) notice more easily distracted or less efficient co-workers.

According to Workplace Options, the results might stem from the trend of employers promoting flexible work arrangements and helping workers strike a work-life balance.

"These results are really a testament to how far employers have come in meeting the demands of a changing workforce," said Dean Debnam, chief executive officer of Workplace Options. "The urge to leave early for a long weekend hasn't gone away, but employers are offering tools that promote work-life balance and flexibility so employees have the best of both worlds. They can get their work done and still find time for personal pursuits."

Additional key survey findings include:

· 23 percent of workers said their employer, as a whole, was less productive during summer months, compared to 53 percent that reported no seasonal effect.
· 25 percent said their company offers schedule flexibility for parents juggling summer camps, vacations and children out of school.
· 52 percent reported that there was actually an increase in workload during summer months.
· 79 percent of Millennial workers (ages 18-29) reporting that flexible summer schedules make employers more attractive.

"Summer still brings distractions; it always will," Debnam said. "But employers are finding that if they are flexible enough to accommodate their employees' needs outside the office, their productivity and commitment to the job remains high, regardless of what the weather's like outside."

About the Author

Laura Walter

Laura Walter was formerly senior editor of EHS Today. She is a subject matter expert in EHS compliance and government issues and has covered a variety of topics relating to occupational safety and health. Her writing has earned awards from the American Society of Business Publication Editors (ASBPE), the Trade Association Business Publications International (TABPI) and APEX Awards for Publication Excellence. Her debut novel, Body of Stars (Dutton) was published in 2021.