July 19, 2016 |
Turnover happens. The summer months bring a unique set of challenges when it comes to turnover, both at the beginning of the season and at the end. Many business owners tend to look at summer as being a fresh start. The more favorable temperatures, along with longer workdays certainly should add up to increase productivity, if all things were created equal. Unfortunately, however, a problem exists in many industries of summer turnover. If this is a problem for your business, what can you do to prepare for it and perhaps even overcome it?
There may be a number of issues at the root of summer turnover, but one potential problem is vacation time. Employees are more likely to take vacation in the summer, with the peak being the second week of July. Although vacation can be quite motivational, helping to recharge the batteries, so to speak, there may also be issues for business owners. According to a poll by monster.com, vacations are also a great time for self-assessment. Up to 70% of those who responded to the poll say that they are more likely to look for another job upon returning from vacation.
Vacation is not the only reason why there may be a higher rate of turnover in the summer. Increased responsibilities at home because of the end of the school year may also be a factor. Rather than stressing over the possibility of a higher rate of turnover in the summer months, you can take positive action to reduce the damage. You may even find that the turnover provides opportunities for your business that would otherwise not exist.
The first possibility is to reduce the likelihood of a high turnover rate in the first place. Since many employees are looking elsewhere for employment because they are unsatisfied with their job or with their life, providing additional incentive for them to stay may just be the ticket you are looking for. Keeping your employees motivated and engaged isn’t always easy, but there are things you can do to improve their job satisfaction.
In fact, the spring season may be the perfect time for your annual review, as it can create a more positive work environment for everyone involved.
At times, a higher turnover rate for summer employees is inevitable. This is especially the case when it comes to seasonal employees, who may be working on a temporary basis because of annual factors, such as harvest time. This type of higher turnover is to be expected and can often be countered by hiring seasonal workers for the additional work and maintaining your base employees.
The summer may also be the time for you to make the most of a potentially difficult situation. Preparing for summer turnover may help to limit the damage but the turnover may still occur. If that is the case, look to temporary employees who can fill the need consistently.
Temporary employees provide your business with numerous benefits, such as financial savings from lower benefit options (vacation, sick leave etc.) and the ability to explore potential full-time employees, before you bring them on staff. Regardless of whether you have a higher turnover rate in the summer or not, it can be a productive time for your company. By planning ahead for the possibility of a high turnover rate, it is possible to grow your business during the growing season.
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