Promoting Team Wellness Over the Summer: A Guide for Employers
- BOOM Group
- Jul 21
- 3 min read
As the summer season unfolds, the shift in routine, warmer weather, and increase in personal obligations can impact productivity, focus, and overall well-being at work. It’s important for employees to be mindful of these seasonal changes and take intentional steps to support both personal and team wellness.
Promoting wellness during the summer months doesn’t require large-scale change. Often, it’s about making small adjustments that enhance balance, boost morale, and foster a healthier workplace environment—for yourself and your team.
Here are five practical ways employees can support wellness this summer:
1. Prioritize Open Communication Around Time Off
Summer often brings vacations and adjusted schedules. Communicate time-off plans with your team as early as possible to help with workload planning and coverage. Equally important is respecting colleagues’ time off by minimizing non-urgent communications during their absence.
Consider using a shared vacation tracker or digital calendar visible to the entire team. This not only prevents scheduling conflicts but helps team members prepare in advance and support each other proactively. When possible, cross-train staff ahead of time to ensure continuity and avoid last-minute stress.
2. Encourage Healthy Breaks and Movement
With longer days and better weather, summer is a great time to step away from the screen and get fresh air. Short walks, standing stretch breaks, or lunch outdoors can reduce fatigue and improve focus throughout the day.
Organize a friendly wellness challenge, such as a “step count” or “hydration tracker,” to build camaraderie while promoting movement. Encourage walking meetings or occasional outdoor team huddles when feasible—it’s a small shift that can have a big impact on energy and engagement.
3. Be Mindful of Workload and Flexibility
Work patterns may vary during the summer due to family responsibilities, holidays, or reduced capacity. Being proactive about managing expectations, timelines, and deliverables helps maintain team cohesion and prevents unnecessary stress.
Where operationally possible, introduce flexible start and end times, or offer “summer hours” such as half-day Friday on one or two Fridays in a month. Flexibility doesn’t always mean fewer hours—it often means greater trust, autonomy, and the ability to recharge when needed.
4. Support Mental Well-Being and Boundaries
Summer can be a demanding time for mental health, especially when trying to juggle personal and professional commitments. Creating space for check-ins—whether informal chats or scheduled one-on-ones—can go a long way in building a more empathetic team culture.
Normalize wellness conversations during team meetings. This might include sharing mental health resources, inviting guest speakers for a quick virtual session, or simply checking in with a question such as, “How are you taking care of yourself this week?” These simple practices create psychological safety and reduce burnout risk.
5. Celebrate Seasonal Wins as a Team
Recognizing milestones, achievements, or simply making time for team connection can enhance a sense of belonging and motivation. Whether it’s a virtual coffee chat, a team lunch, or a casual summer-themed event, fostering engagement is key to team wellness.
Get creative with seasonal engagement—think “Summer Playlist Swaps,” themed dress-up days, or a rotating spotlight on team members’ summer hobbies and travel highlights. These lighthearted moments help strengthen team bonds and boost morale during peak season workloads.
Final Thoughts
Team wellness is a shared responsibility, and small efforts from individual employees can make a significant difference. By supporting each other, encouraging balance, and remaining mindful of the season’s demands, we can all contribute to a more energized and positive work environment.
Let summer be a season of renewed well-being—for you and your team.
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