The Great British summer time can be unpredictable, but our early summer heat wave has led to questions around summer dress codes and working temperatures, with the majority of UK professionals (82 per cent) agreeing that businesses should offer a more relaxed dress code over the hotter months, according to CV-Library.
The survey, which asked 1,000 workers about seasonal perks in their workplace, finds less than half (42.4 per cent) are allowed to adapt their wardrobe over the summer, with only one in five (19.3 per cent) professionals stating that they receive summer perks such as more relaxed dress. That’s despite nearly two thirds (63.4 per cent) believing that all businesses should offer these as standard.
What do workers currently get?
Leaving early on a Friday to enjoy the sun – 56.9 per cent
Allowed to wear what we want – 32.3 per cent
Summer social activities e.g drinks after work – 31 per cent
Free ice creams and chilled drinks – 23.7 per cent
Being able to work outside – 14.2 per cent
Lee Biggins, founder and managing director of CV-Library, comments, ‘Britain’s summer months can be a real struggle whatever level you’re working at. It’s hot one minute, raining the next, and all staff really want to be doing is jetting off somewhere exotic. It’s no surprise then that our data found that many UK professionals are keen to receive seasonal perks, yet only a small percentage are. Now could be a great time to consider the extra perks that you can put in place to help keep workers motivated.’
Furthermore, the study reveals despite the majority (87 per cent) enjoying air-con over the warmer months, nearly one in five (17 per cent) offices go without it. This, along with the usual culprits (shorter working hours, ice creams, cold drinks etc.), all made the list of the most desirable summer perks.
However, respondents were also asked to share what they’d most like to receive, if they could have any summer perk possible.
CV-Library picks some of the top answers
Ben from Kent: Being able to wear Hawaiian shirts on Fridays
Lucy from Bristol: Lunch time siestas
April from Staines: Company hog roasts or barbecues every other week
Janet from Barnsley: Paddling pools at the office
Spencer from Winchester: Performance based hours – get the job done, then go have fun
Dave from Swansea: Free beer and mojitos provided throughout the day
Theresa from Clapham: Team holidays and outdoor team building activities, such as music festivals
Paul from Sutton: Time out during the day to watch sporting events
Sally from Leeds: An all-expenses paid holiday – on the company of course!
Matthew from Hull: Showers provided to use whenever we need during a hot day
Biggins concludes, ‘While it may not be feasible to give every team member an all-expenses paid holiday or provide free beer all day, there are some basic and inexpensive perks you can offer to keep staff from feeling the heat. Air-con is a great way to keep the office cool and providing chilled refreshments can really help staff when the higher temperatures hit.
‘Remember, these perks can also be a great way to attract talented new recruits as well as improve current staff retention rates. Whatever you choose, be sure to offer perks that reflect your company culture, to ensure you keep staff happy and cool during the summer months!’
Further reading on summer perks
