Summer can bring unique challenges for workplace productivity. Warmer days, longer evenings, and vacation schedules can leave employees feeling sluggish at work. For leaders, finding ways to help employees stay energized while respecting the nuances of workplace dynamics is essential.
According to the World Health Organization, a healthy lifestyle involves a balance between mental, physical, and social well-being (1). With that in mind, here are 10 summer wellness activities to help employees stay energized throughout the season.
A survey by the Society for Human Resource Management found that 63% of employees reported feeling more motivated and engaged when employers offered wellness programs. In addition to boosting morale, seasonal wellness activities can also improve overall productivity in the workplace (2).
Here are some ways that engaging in healthy summer activities can positively impact employee productivity:
Summer wellness activities, such as team picnics, outdoor yoga sessions, or step challenges, create opportunities for fun and bonding.
Employees who participate in these feel more connected to their teams and the company culture. This sense of belonging can lead to higher morale, which research has shown to be directly linked to increased productivity (3).
When employees are given opportunities to engage in enjoyable, stress-reducing activities, they’re more likely to approach their work with enthusiasm. For example, organizing a summer social event allows employees to decompress while building camaraderie. This balance of relaxation and connection often translates into refreshed energy when they return to their tasks (4).
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Exposure to natural light and fresh air has been proven to increase focus and energy levels (5). Seasonal outdoor activities capitalize on this. Encouraging employees to hold meetings outside, take walking breaks, or join group fitness sessions in the park boosts mood and also refreshes concentration (4).
Scientific studies have shown that time spent in green spaces improves cognitive function and reduces mental fatigue (6). Employees who have opportunities to step away from their desks and engage with the outdoors are more likely to return to work with greater clarity and problem-solving abilities.
The summer season naturally lends itself to activities that promote physical movement, from bike rides to walking challenges. Physical wellness doesn’t just benefit the body, it also stimulates the mind. Exercise increases blood flow to the brain, improves mood by releasing endorphins, and reduces stress levels (7).
BetterMe offers a 28-day walking challenge that can help your team stay active throughout the summer. Join and take the first step toward a healthier, more active lifestyle.
Similarly, incorporating mental health-focused activities can sustain the energy of employees throughout the summer. For example, offering mindfulness sessions or relaxation breaks during peak stress periods can prevent burnout (8). When employees are healthier and less stressed, they’re better able to focus, innovate, and work efficiently.
For some employees, productivity dips in summer due to long days, warm weather, or vacation schedules. Seasonal wellness activities help balance these trends by fostering structure and routine without draining their energy. Small initiatives, such as summer hydration stations or flexible work hours, allow employees to stay engaged without feeling overwhelmed.
In particular, flexible hours allow employees to work during their most productive times of the day. For example, an early riser may prefer to start and end their workday earlier to make the most of the sunshine, while others may feel energized if they work later into the evening (9).
One of the long-term advantages of seasonal wellness programs is that they often inspire positive habits beyond the summer months.
For example, initiating a workplace fitness challenge may encourage employees to continue exercising year-round. Healthier, happier employees are more productive and less likely to take sick days (10).
By fostering these habits, leaders can see a sustained impact on productivity and transform short-term activities into ongoing benefits.
Read more: Summer Wellness Tips: Take Care of Your Health Right
Summer wellness activities can be more than just a seasonal perk for your employees. They offer opportunities to boost physical health, nurture mental well-being, and enhance social connections.
These activities:
According to a 2022 report from the International Foundation of Employee Benefit Plans, 76% of organizations found their wellness initiatives to be effective in improving employee retention, with 12% rating them as very effective and 62% as somewhat effective (13).
Employees want to feel supported in their job roles and their overall well-being. Summer wellness activities cater to this need by aligning organizational priorities with the personal well-being and work-life balance of employees.
For example, initiatives such as flexible summer work hours or outdoor team-building events show employees that their time, health, and happiness are valued. These programs help create a positive association with the workplace, which improves their likelihood of staying.
Furthermore, today’s workforce evaluates potential employers based on how they treat employees. The World Economic Forum reported in 2023 that 58% of millennials and Gen Z workers consider wellness programs to be a significant factor when deciding on a job offer (14).
So robust wellness strategies don’t just benefit current employees, they also make organizations more attractive.
1. Encourage Movement During the Workday
Physical activity is a proven way to increase energy levels. Regular movement increases blood circulation, delivering oxygen and nutrients to the brain and muscles. This can help employees shake off sluggishness and refocus on their tasks (15).
Research also indicates that how employees spend their breaks matters (4). Passive scrolling on phones often leaves people feeling more drained, while engaging in meaningful or physical activities can boost energy.
For workplaces, small bursts of movement can be realistic and effective:
Research supports that even light physical activity enhances energy and reduces feelings of fatigue (15). By integrating these micro-movement opportunities, leaders can create a workspace that fosters natural energy boosts without major disruptions.
You can boost your team’s well-being and productivity by using BetterMe’s Zoom app which enables you to integrate quick warmup and stretching sessions into your workday. Access BetterMe’s wellness content right in Zoom to create a calmer, more connected team experience.
2. Leverage Natural Light
Sunlight exposure directly impacts energy levels and alertness. The human body produces serotonin, a neurotransmitter that stabilizes mood and boosts energy, in response to natural light. In addition, sunlight helps regulate circadian rhythms, which improves sleep quality (16).
For offices with limited windows, consider these tactics:
By making small adjustments, leaders can maximize light exposure, which can help employees feel more awake and alert during the day.
3. Provide Accessible, Healthy Snacks
Nutrition plays a major role in maintaining energy levels. Processed foods or sugary snacks lead to spikes in energy followed by inevitable crashes, leaving employees more fatigued. On the other hand, foods that are rich in protein, complex carbohydrates, and healthy fats provide sustained energy (17).
To support employees:
Research underscores the connection between nutrition and workplace performance (18). By providing access to better food choices, employees can maintain a stable energy level throughout the day.
4. Promote Hydration
Dehydration is a common but often overlooked cause of fatigue (19). Particularly during warmer months, employees are at higher risk of mild dehydration, which can lead to reduced focus, headaches, and sluggishness.
Practical solutions include:
Educating employees about the role of hydration in maintaining energy can also help instill lasting habits. Keeping everyone well-hydrated can counteract the energy dips that are associated with summer heat.
5. Integrate Mindfulness Breaks
Mindfulness has been shown to reduce stress and improve mental alertness (8). When employees feel frazzled or overwhelmed, energy takes a hit.
Workplace applications can include:
These moments of stillness don’t require a significant time commitment but can have a noticeable impact on employee energy and focus.
6. Offer Flexible Work Hours
Some employees may feel more energetic earlier or later in the day, often dictated by personal chronotypes. During summer, long daylight hours can make this variability more pronounced.
Allowing flexible starts or remote options can better align work schedules with individual energy peaks. For example:
Research in workplace productivity consistently highlights that flexibility improves energy and overall job satisfaction (9). By adjusting schedules, you’ll give employees the freedom to work when they’re at their best.
7. Create a Culture of Gratitude and Positivity
Workplace culture has a direct influence on how energized employees feel. Fostering positivity through gratitude can help mitigate summer stresses and improve overall morale (20).
Ideas include:
Studies have shown that practicing gratitude increases dopamine levels, which enhance energy and motivation. Focusing on the positives, even during busy summer months, can elevate the workplace mood and energy levels. To learn more about the gratitude challenge, check out our in-depth article on the topic.
8. Encourage Outdoor Team Activities
Spending time outdoors has well-documented energizing effects. Exposure to green spaces reduces mental fatigue, improves focus, and enhances overall well-being (6).
To bring employees outdoors, you could:
These efforts don’t just increase energy levels, they also strengthen team dynamics, which can boost collaboration and morale.
9. Educate Employees About Sleep Hygiene
Though sleep happens outside work hours, its effects are undeniable during workdays. Sleep deprivation is a major factor in low energy and reduced productivity (21).
Employers can address this by:
Empowering employees to prioritize rest can have ripple effects on their daytime energy and engagement.
Every employee is unique, and their approach to wellness often reflects their personalities, lifestyles, and needs. By tailoring wellness activities, HR leaders can ensure higher engagement and inclusivity. Here’s how you can effectively address these differences:
One size does not fit all when it comes to wellness. Employees have different preferences for how they unwind, recharge, or manage stress.
Research has shown that offering choice boosts participation (22). Employees are more likely to engage when they feel they have control over selecting what resonates with them.
An individual approach to the fitness, nutrition, and mental health of your employees, together with BetterMe employer support – you’ve got everything at your fingertips. What are you waiting for? Access all the benefits now!
A personalized approach starts with understanding employee preferences. Collect data through:
By tailoring activities to match stated preferences, you boost inclusivity and also demonstrate attentiveness to employee needs.
Cultural practices, disabilities, or personal beliefs may shape how an employee engages in wellness. For example:
Equipping wellness initiatives with inclusive options ensures no one feels left out or pressured to participate in something uncomfortable.
Busy schedules can be a barrier to participation. By offering wellness activities at multiple times across the day or week, employees can find options that fit around their work and personal responsibilities. On-demand and remote wellness programs (e.g. video content or app access) are particularly effective for providing this flexibility (9).
Personalization doesn’t need to be overwhelming. A data-driven approach, coupled with variety, ensures wellness efforts are accessible, meaningful, and impactful for everyone on your team.
Read more: 7-Day Workplace Mental Wellness Challenge: Small Habits, Big Impact
Tracking the success of wellness programs helps leaders identify what’s working and improve efficiency. This isn’t just about showing return on investment (ROI), it’s about understanding how these initiatives truly benefit employees. Here’s how you can evaluate impact effectively:
Engagement metrics provide insights into how many employees are using the resources you’ve provided:
Wellness programs that work often influence broader workplace metrics. By pairing participation data with workplace outcomes, you’ll have a clearer sense of impact:
One multinational company found that offering onsite fitness classes and meditation significantly improved attendance and reduced sick days.
Use tools to directly measure how employees feel about their wellness:
Beyond hard data, anecdotal insights can also provide valuable context. Positive comments, improved teamwork, and general enthusiasm signal that wellness efforts are leaving a tangible mark.
Effective wellness programs are often aligned with long-term cost reductions. Focus on measurable financial impacts:
Workplace wellness studies frequently tie lower healthcare costs to initiatives such as smoking cessation, stress management, or fitness incentives.
It’s important to set realistic timelines for achieving measurable results. While some metrics, such as participation rates, can be monitored quickly, others such as improved health metrics may take months or years to reflect meaningful change.
Establish baseline measurements early and track the results regularly to understand progress over time. This also lets you make evidence-based adjustments to optimize programming as needed.
Yes, both walking meetings and stretch breaks have proven benefits. Walking meetings encourage creative thinking by increasing blood flow to the brain, and they help reduce sedentary behavior, which is linked to health risks like obesity and cardiovascular disease. Stretch breaks combat muscle stiffness, improve posture, and boost energy levels. Research has shown that even short activity breaks can improve focus and productivity throughout the workday. Offering events consistently throughout the summer, such as weekly or bi-weekly, strikes a balance between frequency and engagement. Regular activities keep wellness top-of-mind without overwhelming employees’ schedules. For example, hosting a fitness class every Thursday or planning a monthly outdoor team-building activity allows employees to anticipate and participate meaningfully. Small teams can implement impactful wellness initiatives without significant cost, such as: These ideas foster engagement and well-being without straining a limited budget. To secure leadership support, present a clear business case for wellness programs. Highlight data such as reduced absenteeism, increased productivity, and lower healthcare costs associated with wellness activities. Share case studies from similar organizations and emphasize ROI, including improved employee retention and satisfaction. Partnering with HR to conduct a pilot program can also demonstrate measurable value, building leadership buy-in for expansion.Frequently Asked Questions
Can walking meetings or stretch breaks make a difference?
How often should you offer summer wellness events?
What low-budget wellness ideas can small teams use?
How do you get leadership to support wellness programs?
Summer wellness activities for employees are more than just seasonal perks, they’re valuable tools that enhance both individual and team performance. From boosting morale and promoting physical activity to fostering stronger workplace bonds, these initiatives can contribute to a thriving, engaged workforce.
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