As we enter a new working world post-pandemic, with many employers permitting flexible working hours or work-at-home arrangements, it’s required some adjustments.
A new McKinsey American Opportunity Survey revealed that 58% of Americans report having the opportunity to work from home at least one day a week, with 35% working from home five days a week.
Contrary to Tesla CEO Elon Musk’s belief that people who are working from home “should pretend to work somewhere else,” the assumption is that when employees are working from home, they’re really working.
Several studies show that employees permitted to work remotely are actually more productive – by as much as 47%, according to one report.
But can we talk about Summer Fridays for a minute?
As an employer, it’s a challenge to find a balance between flex-time and productivity. The DBL Center has always offered our staff Summer Fridays. Between June and September, we cut out early to enjoy an extended weekend with our families. This allows more time for travel, relaxing, running errands, or soaking up the sun Long Island’s amazing beaches.
But even with our reduced office hours, The DBL Center team is there when you need us. Our 24/7 chat means someone can answer your questions promptly – from wherever we may be. And when we’re in the office, we are 100% available with all the tools and resources you need to help your clients navigate an ever-evolving landscape of statutory and voluntary employee benefits.
How to Cope When Summer Fridays Become Summer Thursdays – And More
In many companies, we are noticing that Summer Fridays are bleeding into Summer Thursdays, with people enjoying three-day work weeks or other flexible arrangements for the summer. For employers who can make this work within their company culture, flexible hours are a proven retention tool.
Then you have vacations, holidays, corporate get-togethers or team retreats, and there are a dozen things pulling people out of the office and away from their desks all summer.
Those who are still in the office four, or even five days, a week must work around these limitations. They might be unable to reach colleagues whose input is needed to get a job done. Projects can face delays. And it can be frustrating to not get immediate answers to questions. Fortunately, there are some tactics you can use to get things done.
Maximize Connection Time with Partners
When people are out of the office for extended periods, it can make it more difficult to get quotes, move processes along, or close deals. This is true whether they are co-workers or business associates.
Maximize the time when people are most reachable early in the week to schedule meetings and calls. Use Thursday afternoon and Friday morning for deep focus work that may not require input or feedback from others.
Look at it this way: Without a million meetings, you can get more of your work done on Thursday and leave more time for play and a relaxing weekend!
Prioritize To Get More Done in Less Time
There’s no need to be staring longingly out the window at the horizon while your colleagues are gazing at a beach sunset. Whether you use time-blocking, the Pomodoro Method, or some other tactic, consider ways you can be more productive during your time in the office. Then, you can enjoy your Summer Fridays without a heavy weight on your shoulders.
Don’t Let Yourself Burn Out
Finally, it can be easy to become resentful watching others take advantage of flexible hours while you’re tied to your desk. Find outlets, whether it’s a weekend getaway with your family or time at the gym every evening, to avoid burning out.
Know Your Benefits
Take note of the time and benefits available to you if you’re caring for a new child in your life or an aging parent. You may be able to file a PFL claim in NY or PFML in several other states to get paid for that time you’re bonding with your child or sitting in a doctor’s waiting room with a relative.
Partner With Companies Who Are There for You
Finally, choosing the right partners. With The DBL Center as your wholesale general agency, we can help make it easier for you to keep your business moving through the summer and achieve your monthly, quarterly, and annual sales goals.
Our resource center can help you find the answers to many questions regarding paid family and medical leave across the U.S., voluntary worksite benefits, and statutory disability insurance.
Our proprietary Broker Dashboard: Net Revenue Tracker puts all the information you need about cancellations, renewals, and commissions at your fingertips, whether you’re in the office, working remotely, or on the road.
You’re never on your own with The DBL Center as your wholesale general agency. We are here to help you accomplish more in less time so that you can enjoy your summer, as well.