How to beat the end-of-summer slump at work

As the summer holidays come to an end, the nights draw in and we start to experience fewer warm days.  It leads to many employees finding themselves dealing with an end-of-summer slump, where these changes cause a dip in mood, motivation and productivity.  

In this article, we’ll look at why we experience an end-of-summer slump and how this can be combatted in the workplace. 

Why do we experience an end-of-summer slump? 

There are several reasons why employees might feel an end-of-summer slump. From flat feelings due to summer holidays, trips, and activities being over. To the transition from long sunny days to shorter, cooler ones affecting mood and energy levels. There is actual science behind it too. In the summer months, our bodies have higher levels of serotonin due to the increase in sunlight exposure; it’s why many of us tend to feel happier in the summer. When we transition to the “’ber months” this change in serotonin can affect us.

How can I combat the end-of-summer slump at work? 

Despite the change in seasons being difficult for many of us, there are several easy methods that can help you combat these feelings at work; both for employees and workplaces.

1. Get some natural night  

Exposure to natural light is an important – and often overlooked – part of looking after your body, especially in the autumn and winter months. Not only does it boost vitamin D levels and boost your mood, it can also make your working environment more comfortable. With a recent Knight Frank study finding that employees who sat near windows were 51% less likely to endure eyestrain from their computers and 63% less likely to experience headaches. 

During the period where summer comes to an end, try to get out in daylight as much as possible. Or, if that isn’t always doable, ensure you are getting enough natural light into your office or space. For workplaces, it is crucial that office workers have appropriate levels of sunlight. And that all employees are encouraged to get out during the day where possible.

2. Prioritise mental health  

At a time where the weather starts to change, many people can experience changes in their mental health and wellbeing, with depression and anxiety much more prevalent in winter. This can have a huge impact on productivity and efficiency at work too, so it is important that employees are prioritising their mental health during this period.  

Whether that’s through setting clear boundaries between work and personal life, taking regular breaks throughout the day, or even incorporating mindfulness practices into your daily routine. You can use the technology you have available at work to help too. We’ve put together this handy list of ways Microsoft 365 can be used to help manage mental health and wellbeing.  

For workplaces and leaders, it is important to encourage employees to prioritise their mental health by fostering a supportive environment. Implementing flexible work schedules, offering mental health resources, or even simply promoting regular breaks to avoid burnout.  
 

3. Set new goals   

The end of summer is an ideal time to set new goals and restart your motivation. Setting new goals can provide a sense of direction and purpose, essential for overcoming the end-of-summer slump. Whether that be tackling a new project or working towards another achievement, having clear new objectives can be a great way to reignite enthusiasm and drive. Something that can be hugely important during this transitional period. 

4. Get social  

As summer ends, fostering greater social connections with colleagues can be a great way to combat the seasonal slump. Being more social at work can help you to boost connection and a sense of community, in turn leading boosting your morale and motivation.  

You might want to suggest a team building activity or organise a team lunch. If you work remotely, you could also suggest getting together for a day of in-person coworking. For workplaces, creating better social connections is often cultural. You should foster an environment where people feel they are able to not just have great professional relationships, but personal too. This could start as simply as putting on some structured social events or starting up a buddy scheme. Or, if your people work remotely, hosting some sort of virtual get-together via Microsoft Teams! 
 

5. Go back to school 

It doesn’t have to just be the kids that head back to school. Why not use September as the perfect time to improve your own knowledge and learning? By learning and upskilling, the sense of progress and achievement significantly boosts your motivation and can even reignite your passion for your work. Not only that, it opens up new opportunities for greater career advancement and personal growth.  
 
For workplaces and leaders, September is the perfect time to create a back-to-school programme of learning. Boosting your employees’ skills, increasing employee engagement, and creating a culture of continuous learning.  

Take a look at Hable’s Digital Skills programmes for inspiration!  

The end-of-summer slump at work – final thoughts 

While the end-of-summer slump is a very common challenge that can affect people at work, it can be effectively managed with the right strategies. By creating opportunities for learning, fostering social connections, and encouraging prioritising mental health, workplaces can help employees maintain their motivation and productivity.  

Saying goodbye to summer can be tough, especially for people who have struggles with their mental health. But by being proactive, staying connected, and striving to boost your knowledge, you can make the most of the transition into autumn.