This week marks the end of the summer term for many UK schools. For staff with children between five and 16, it will have significant implications. As a manager, here’s a number of things for you to think about in the school holiday period.
- Reduced workforce. Not only will parents have saved their holiday allowance for some time in the next six weeks, but childless workers may also want to make the most of the UK summer. Do not be surprised if you don’t have the human resources you can expect in the rest of the year and think about drafting in extra help (see below).
- Taking kids to work. Sometimes childcare arrangements can break down, leaving parents no alternative but to bring their offspring to work. Put a few precautions in place to minimise the disruption this might bring. Is there a room or space where your staffer can work while their child plays with toys? What are the health and safety implications?
- Make use of interns. Teenagers, school-leavers and college students will be looking for unpaid work in the summer to get experience. Staff who have children of this age will be relieved to get them off their hands for a week or two. Properly managed, Interns can be useful in relieving your (depleted) workforce of simple administration tasks, so that they can focus on the more strategic parts of their job. On top of that, you are enabling the next generation of workers to learn about the nature of work and hopefully convincing them that your company is a good place for them to apply for work. Have a definite plan about what your interns are going to do for you and appoint workplace helpers to look after them while they are here.
- Account for the weather. The heat and increased sunlight may affect workers if it becomes too overbearing. Are blinds and air-conditioning up to scratch? Think about the provision of temporary air coolers. Perhaps spring for a few ice-lolly rounds if it gets hot — it works wonders for morale.
- Dress down. Formal business attire can be very uncomfortable in hot weather. Think about relaxing rules on dress, so that people can concentrate on their work. Be careful to be clear on the boundaries of dress - you may require them to still be smart if they are client or customer facing — some clothes are unsuitable for the office, whatever the weather.
- Work flexibly. Consider implementing a temporary flexible working programme. If staff get in an hour early or work an hour later, they take Friday afternoon off. This may create some breathing space for parents having to make temporary child-care arrangements. Even for childless workers, it’s a welcome chance to make the most of the good weather in the day and you’ve lost nothing in productivity.
(Pic: Jessica Bee cc2.0)
