Summer brings a unique energy to the workplace, but it also introduces new challenges for employee engagement and wellbeing. As organizations adapt to seasonal shifts, understanding the nuances of summer business practices becomes essential for maintaining productivity and morale, as highlighted by Gallup and other workplace research organizations.
The State of Employee Engagement in Summer
Employee engagement in the U.S. saw a modest rebound in the second quarter of 2024, with 32% of employees reporting they are fully engaged at work, up from 30% earlier in the year, according to Gallup. Globally, engagement rates have stabilized at 71%, returning to pre-pandemic levels, yet 85% of employees still report not being engaged at work, as reported by Haiilo and Quixy. These numbers highlight both progress and the ongoing need for innovative engagement strategies, especially during the summer when work patterns and expectations shift.
How Summer Business Practices Affect Employees
Flexible work arrangements have become a hallmark of summer business practices. The adoption of four-day workweeks, “work-from-anywhere” policies, and meeting-free Fridays has contributed to higher morale and engagement, with some companies reporting up to a 14% increase in productivity, according to HR Brew and Search Wizards. Employees are also taking more paid time off during the summer, surpassing pre-pandemic levels, which helps recharge energy and prevent burnout.
However, challenges remain. Despite the benefits of remote and flexible work, 69% of remote employees report feeling burnt out, and many struggle to disconnect after work hours, as noted by Haiilo. Collaboration can also suffer, as 44% of professionals find in-office teamwork more productive than remote alternatives. Not all roles or industries can offer the same level of summer flexibility, leading to disparities in employee experience and engagement.
Why Summer Engagement Matters
Highly engaged employees drive a 23% increase in profitability and 87% higher retention rates for organizations, according to Quixy. Summer is a pivotal time to invest in team building and wellbeing initiatives, as these efforts help break down silos, foster authentic connections, and align teams with organizational values, as discussed by HR Brew. Employees increasingly seek workplaces that prioritize sustainability and social impact, making purpose-driven engagement more important than ever.
CTW Events: The Purpose-Driven Solution
CTW Events specializes in scalable, customizable team-building experiences that combine social impact with employee engagement, as detailed in their 2024 Impact Report. Their programs, such as assembling hygiene kits, school supplies, and essential items for communities in need, are designed to energize teams, foster collaboration, and create a sense of purpose. With over 7.1 million kits distributed, 1,000+ charity partners supported, and more than 266,405 hours of team-building participation globally, CTW Events delivers measurable results for organizations of all sizes.
Summer is an ideal time to leverage CTW Events’ offerings. Their special summer programs help teams recharge and reconnect, ensuring a strong start to the second half of the year. By integrating social impact into team-building, CTW Events helps organizations advance their ESG goals while supporting employee wellbeing.
Looking Ahead
Summer presents both challenges and opportunities for employee engagement. Flexible schedules, a focus on wellbeing, and purpose-driven team-building are key to keeping employees motivated and connected during this season, as shown by Gallup and HR Brew. CTW Events stands out as a proven partner for organizations seeking to elevate summer engagement, drive measurable impact, and make a difference—one team at a time.