Working during the hot summer months can be challenging. However, if your area is experiencing a heat wave, it can increase the difficulty dramatically. As a result, engagement can tumble thanks to the extreme weather. However, there are things you can do to keep your temporary employees engaged. Here’s what you need to know.
1. Make Sure Your Cooling System Is Ready
Whether your employees work indoors or outside, you need to make sure all your cooling systems are fully operational during the heat of the summer. Ensuring staff members have a cool place to go isn’t just important for safety; it also impacts morale.
If the temperatures are notably above average, you may need to invest in additional fans or air conditioning. The more comfortable your team is, the better they’ll perform, so it is worth spending a little money if it keeps everyone engaged.
2. Have Cold Drinks at the Ready
A nice, cold drink can work wonders during a heat wave. Staying hydrated is always important for maintaining focus and health, particularly if you are experiencing above average temperatures.
Make sure water is always available and that workers get enough breaks to refill regularly. If you want to make something flavored available, consider fruit-infused waters, iced green or herbal tea, fruit juice, coconut water, or sports drinks.
3. Adjust the Dress Code
Aside from safety-oriented parts of the dress code, being more flexible about attire can help your temporary employees stay engaged. Again, comfort can be the key to keeping morale up, especially if your workers have to spend time outside or in an industrial environment that isn’t easily cooled.
4. Consider Shifting the Schedule
If you can allow your temporary employees to shift their hours to help them avoid the heat of the day, consider making flexible work arrangements an option. If everyone needs to be on-site together and you have the ability to shift the schedule into a cooler part of the day, discuss the idea with your team and see if that would make them more comfortable and productive.
In some cases, schedule adjustments aren’t an option. However, if you can have your workers who are usually outdoors come inside to handle some tasks during the heat of the day, that can help as well. Allowing people to rotate at set times between indoor and outdoor work can also make a difference, ensuring no one is stuck out in the sun for hours on end.
5. Have Some Empathy
Sometimes, a little empathy goes a long way. By acknowledging your temporary employees’ discomfort and expressing your appreciation for their efforts, you can make sure morale doesn’t dip too far.
Similarly, by understanding that some workers may need to move a bit more slowly to avoid heat-related injuries and letting them know that you get it, you demonstrate your commitment to their health and well-being. While you may need to adjust some productivity targets as a result, heat waves don’t last forever, so it can be worthwhile, even just as a friendly gesture.
Ultimately, all of the tips above can help you keep your temporary employees engaged during a heat wave. If you’d like to learn more, the team at TempStaff can help. Contact us to speak with a member of our professional staff today and see how our worker engagement expertise can benefit you.