Maximize employee engagement during the summer: concrete and humane ideas
Summer brings a breath of lightness, but also its share of challenges for managers. Vacations, slower pace, often combined with hybrid teams. It can become difficult to maintain cohesion and involvement.
Yet, this period is also a valuable opportunity to strengthen bonds differently, with simple, well-thought-out initiatives tailored to the summer reality.
Here are some concrete ideas, grouped by theme, to nurture your teams’ engagement throughout the beautiful season.
Focus on social impact to foster engagement
By allowing employees to give back to the community during their work hours, you send a clear message. Their goodwill matters, and your involvement in the community conveys powerful values.
The value wheel of volunteering is full of advantages for everyone who helps give back. Notably:
- Developing transferable skills for the workforce;
- Fostering the integration of newcomers;
- Strengthening the sense of belonging and engagement.
Replace a few working hours with targeted volunteering
Some companies offer full or half days to be freely scheduled during the summer. The key is to plan so operations remain smooth while leaving enough flexibility to adapt to individual situations.
Whether it’s helping a local organization, supporting a neighborhood school, or using professional expertise. The impact is felt both in the community and within your team.
Valuing local mutual aid
Organize internal solidarity projects, such as:
- A drive for a shelter, a school, or an organization close to your heart;
- Assisting a local startup (encourage young people with your expertise and get your employees involved);
These initiatives reinforce the sense of usefulness, without necessarily leaving the workplace. It’s a way to embody your values, on both small and large scales.
Create accessible, convivial moments for all
Avoid complexity and plans that don’t suit most of your staff. Prioritize simplicity and fun.
Host a mini-golf outing
Not everyone has a natural golf swing, or even an interest in the sport. Mini-golf, however, is inclusive, accessible, fun, and perfect for team relaxation. By choosing an outdoor venue or a local center, you offer a laid-back moment where everyone can participate in their own way.
Offer an afternoon of outdoor games and culinary discoveries
A food truck, a few simple games (bean bags, molkky, portable badminton, frisbee), blankets on the grass, and you’re set for an afternoon blending relaxation and connection.
Some companies bring in an event caterer to accompany the day with gourmet lunchboxes. A great opportunity to step out of the usual setting while staying together.
Plan an evening around a fire
Do you have access to a yard, a lot, or a room with a beautiful outdoor setting? Consider an activity in the evening, around a fire. The “Pot autour du feu” game, designed to spark authentic conversation, can become the focal point of the gathering. A simple yet meaningful moment, best reserved for small groups to encourage quality exchanges.
Create participatory sources of motivation
Encourage co-creative projects. For example, a collective garden.
Gardening has the power to soothe, bring people together, and foster everyone’s engagement. Setting up a few raised beds or participating in a community garden near the office can provide a gentle, ongoing activity, especially well-suited to summer.
If your teams work remotely, invite those who wish to join in to create their own small gardening space. At the end of the summer, organize a gathering in a park where everyone can share the fruits of their harvest.
Create impact with small gestures
Boosting engagement in the summer isn’t about grand gestures. Sincere, tailored actions that meet your teams’ needs create the greatest effects. Whether it’s a half-day of volunteering or a fun activity, these moments are meant to be memorable.
