Spring is in the air and the thoughts of cold weather are being pushed firmly to the back of your mind as the sun is starting to shine. For all but the most avid lover of winter, this means better moods, more motivation to get out of bed in the morning and an added spring in your step.
But how does the warmer weather impact life in the office?
What does it mean for office productivity?
Are office workers more productive and efficient during the summer months? Or, do you get more work done during winter, when there’s nothing but rain and grey skies awaiting outside?
Let’s explore when you are likely to be most productive.
Temptation and Distraction
Some studies have shown that warmer weather can lower employee productivity by as much as 20% and increase distraction by a whopping 45%.
This is understandable if you are sitting in an air-conditioned office with the blue sky shining in through the large windows. Especially if you can see people out enjoying the sunshine. It can be easy to daydream and lose focus if you are longing to head to the beach.
However, you can turn this temptation around to your business’ benefit. Other studies have proven that reducing employee work hours during summer provides a marked increase in productivity. Rather than finding “busywork” to pass the time until 5 o'clock rolls around, cutting the day short and offering the reward of an early knock off can encourage people to be efficient, getting more work done than they would have otherwise.
Increased Energy
Although rainy, winter weather doesn’t usually have your employees desperate to run out into the cold, it can reduce energy levels and decrease productivity. Everyone knows that rainy days are perfect for sleeping - the sound of rain on the roof is relaxing and signals nap time for many of us. Sleepiness is so helpful for being alert and on the ball.
On the flip side, sunshine provides us with energy. It wakes up the brain and gets those synapses firing. Even if you are in an office out of the sun, you are still exposed to the energy boost on the way to work and during breaks, so it is still effective.
But how does the warmer weather impact life in the office?
What does it mean for office productivity?
Are office workers more productive and efficient during the summer months? Or, do you get more work done during winter, when there’s nothing but rain and grey skies awaiting outside?
Let’s explore when you are likely to be most productive.
Temptation and Distraction
Some studies have shown that warmer weather can lower employee productivity by as much as 20% and increase distraction by a whopping 45%.
This is understandable if you are sitting in an air-conditioned office with the blue sky shining in through the large windows. Especially if you can see people out enjoying the sunshine. It can be easy to daydream and lose focus if you are longing to head to the beach.
However, you can turn this temptation around to your business’ benefit. Other studies have proven that reducing employee work hours during summer provides a marked increase in productivity. Rather than finding “busywork” to pass the time until 5 o'clock rolls around, cutting the day short and offering the reward of an early knock off can encourage people to be efficient, getting more work done than they would have otherwise.
Increased Energy
Although rainy, winter weather doesn’t usually have your employees desperate to run out into the cold, it can reduce energy levels and decrease productivity. Everyone knows that rainy days are perfect for sleeping - the sound of rain on the roof is relaxing and signals nap time for many of us. Sleepiness is so helpful for being alert and on the ball.
On the flip side, sunshine provides us with energy. It wakes up the brain and gets those synapses firing. Even if you are in an office out of the sun, you are still exposed to the energy boost on the way to work and during breaks, so it is still effective.
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