No one enjoys working in an office during the summer months. Between the sticky seats, windows that only open an inch and the glaringly smug sun glinting at you from outside – it can be infuriating. There’s nothing better to make employees feel like they’re missing out on a relaxing day in the sun.

As a small business employer, you should be doing everything in your power to keep your employees feeling motivated and happy at work, even if they would rather be enjoying a cider in a beer garden. Here are some of our top tips on making summer at the office more enjoyable.

Desk fans

First up, the obvious! Being hot and bothered at work is the ultimate recipe for unhappy employees and an unproductive day. Rather than opening the windows a bit and hoping for the best, do everything you can to help out your staff.

Grab some desk fans and hand them out to everyone. They might provide only a small relief but they can be perfect when the heat gets to be just too much.

Investing in air con

Before it gets too warm, install some air conditioning in preparation for a hot summer. Thinking ahead will serve you well here, as you don’t want it to get unbearably hot before you think to install an air conditioning system.

This may seem like an extra expense for your small business, but in the long run it will mean more productive employees and more sales through the summer – which many businesses fail to get for exactly this reason.

Time off

Surprise your employees with some extra time off for them to enjoy their summer. Offering up an unexpected afternoon off will be a welcome surprise for staff who are struggling to focus in the heat and will likely be much appreciated.

This doesn’t have to be an entire week, or even a whole day. If all you can manage is an hour at the end of the day, let your employees leave an hour early. Small gestures like this will make employees feel more loyal to your company.

Regular treats

Treating employees to goodies every once in a while is the perfect way to boost morale, and it doesn’t require breaking the bank, either!

Pick up a box of ice creams to keep everyone cool throughout the day, or if you’re feeling a little more adventurous – order food in for lunch. No one will be able to turn down a free lunch.

Out of hours activities

Work get togethers are the ideal way to boost office morale. But when you throw in a beer and the sun, you’re really talking. Try to organise something that gets everyone out in the sun outside of work hours, to get staff feeling summery, positive and ready to chill out.

This way, you’ll forge and solidify bonds with your employees that will make your team stronger and more united – so you’ll all be on the same page when it comes to getting back in the office.

Are your employees struggling to cope with summer in the office? What are your tips and tricks for keeping the morale up and the heat down? Leave your comments in the section below!