Jobs/Appointments
Maximizing Productivity in the Summer: Strategies for Businesses to Beat the Heat
Introduction
Summer is a season that often brings both joy and challenges to businesses. While employees may enjoy the warmer weather and longer days, the heat can also lead to decreased productivity and increased fatigue. For businesses to maintain high levels of efficiency and morale, it’s crucial to implement strategies that help beat the heat and keep everyone focused. This article explores practical tips and methods that businesses can adopt to maximize productivity during the hot summer months.
Optimize the Work Environment
Air Conditioning and Ventilation
The first step in combating the summer heat is ensuring the work environment is comfortable. This can be achieved by maintaining an effective air conditioning system. Regular maintenance of HVAC systems is essential to avoid breakdowns and ensure efficient operation. Installing ceiling fans or portable fans can also help circulate cool air and keep the office environment pleasant.
Fresh Air Indoor During Summer
Using the best furnace filter for smoke can significantly improve indoor air quality, especially if your area is prone to wildfires or heavy pollution during the summer months. A high-quality filter can remove particulates from the air, ensuring that employees breathe cleaner, healthier air, which can enhance overall well-being and productivity.
Adjust Work Hours
Flexible Scheduling
Offering flexible work hours can help employees avoid commuting during the hottest parts of the day. Allowing employees to start earlier in the morning and finish earlier in the afternoon can not only reduce the stress of travelling in the heat but also make use of the cooler parts of the day for productive work.
Remote Work Options
If possible, consider offering remote work options. Allowing employees to work from home, at least part-time, can help them stay cool and comfortable, which can lead to better focus and efficiency. Ensure that remote work policies are clearly communicated and that employees have the necessary tools and resources to work effectively from home.
Hydration and Nutrition
Promote Hydration
Encourage employees to stay hydrated by providing easy access to water. Install water coolers or dispensers throughout the office and remind employees to drink water regularly. Offering flavoured water or electrolyte drinks can also make hydration more appealing.
Healthy Snacks
Provide healthy snacks that can help maintain energy levels throughout the day. Fresh fruits, vegetables, and light snacks such as nuts and yoghurt can be great options. Avoid offering heavy, greasy foods that can cause lethargy and decrease productivity.
Dress Code Adjustments
Comfortable Attire
Consider implementing a more relaxed dress code during the summer months. Allowing employees to wear lighter, breathable fabrics can help them stay cool and comfortable. Ensure that the relaxed dress code still maintains a professional appearance suitable for your business environment.
Protective Gear
For employees who work outdoors, providing appropriate protective gear such as hats, sunglasses, and UV-protective clothing can help shield them from the sun and reduce the risk of heat-related illnesses.
Boost Morale and Engagement
Summer Activities
Organizing fun summer activities can help boost morale and engagement among employees. Plan events such as ice cream socials, BBQs, or team-building outings to foster a sense of community and relaxation.
Rewards and Recognition
Recognize and reward employees who go above and beyond during the challenging summer months. Small gestures such as gift cards, extra time off, or public recognition can go a long way in maintaining motivation and appreciation.
Efficient Work Practices
Task Prioritization
Encourage employees to prioritize their tasks and focus on the most important and energy-intensive activities during the cooler parts of the day. This approach can help manage workload and prevent burnout.
Breaks and Downtime
Promote regular breaks to help employees recharge. Short, frequent breaks can help maintain concentration and productivity. Encourage employees to take breaks in cooler areas or outside in the shade to get a respite from the indoor environment.
Technology and Tools
Collaborative Tools
Utilize collaborative tools and technology to streamline workflows and improve efficiency. Project management software, communication platforms, and cloud storage solutions can help teams stay connected and organized, regardless of their physical location.
Automation
Consider automating repetitive tasks to reduce the workload on employees. Automation can free up time for more critical and creative work, enhancing overall productivity.
Health and Safety Measures
Training and Awareness
Provide training on recognizing and preventing heat-related illnesses. Ensure that employees are aware of the symptoms of heat exhaustion and heat stroke, and know the appropriate actions to take if they or a colleague experience these symptoms.
Emergency Preparedness
Have a plan in place for heat-related emergencies. Ensure that first aid kits are readily available and that employees know how to use them. Designate a cool, shaded area where employees can rest if they start feeling overheated.
Conclusion
Maximizing productivity during the summer months requires a thoughtful approach to workplace comfort, employee well-being, and efficient work practices. By optimizing the work environment, offering flexible scheduling, promoting hydration and healthy eating, adjusting dress codes, boosting morale, and utilizing technology, businesses can help their employees stay productive and engaged even in the heat. Implementing these strategies not only enhances productivity but also fosters a positive and supportive workplace culture, ensuring that both the business and its employees thrive during the summer.
By Adedapo Adesanya
The Nigerian Aviation Handling Company PLC (NAHCO Aviance) has announced the appointment of Mr Olumuyiwa Olumekun as its new chief executive, with effect from January 1, 2025, following the retirement of Mr Indranil Gupta.
Mr Gupta concluded his tenure as the company’s CEO on December 31, 2024, marking the end of an era that saw growth under his leadership.
The company’s announcement, delivered via a notice to the Nigerian Exchange (NGX) Limited, confirmed the board’s approval of Mr Olumekun’s appointment.
He brings over three decades of leadership experience, which will help steer NAHCO through its next phase of growth. His career at the company includes key roles such as Group Executive Director of Corporate Services, where he played an instrumental part in driving the company’s 2019–2023 strategic plan.
This plan resulted in a 300 per cent increase in profitability. He brings his experience in business development and commercial strategy to bear.
His previous tenure as Acting Managing Director and Executive Director of Corporate Services contributed to the development of NAHCO’s operational success and long-term strategic direction.
Mr Olumekun also led the company’s efforts in driving new business opportunities during his leadership of the Commercial and Business Development sectors in 2019.
Since retiring from his active role at NAHCO in 2022, he has continued his involvement in the company as a non-executive director on the boards of its subsidiaries, helping guide their growth.
By Aduragbemi Omiyale
No fewer than 49 young graduates have been employed in the oil and gas sector after completing an internship programme, which began in 2022.
A graduation ceremony was held for them recently in Port Harcourt, Rivers State after finishing the NCDMB/PETAN/SPDC JV Graduate Internship programme, which has benefitted about 170 young graduates.
The initiative was created by the Shell Petroleum Development Company of Nigeria Ltd (SPDC) Joint Venture in collaboration with the Petroleum Technology Association of Nigeria (PETAN) and the Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB).
During the internship, the fresh graduates are attached to indigenous technical oilfield service companies in the upstream and downstream sectors for hands-on experience.
The scheme, which was established in 2014, has been lauded as a key human capital development initiative which is central to the promotion of Nigerian content in the oil and gas industry.
At the graduation ceremony this month, the chairman of PETAN, Mr Wole Ogunsanya, commended Shell for supporting the programme which is helping to build local manpower for a critical sector of the economy.
The General Manager for Nigerian Content at SPDC, Mr ‘Lanre Olawuyi, said: “The internship is more than a learning opportunity. It provides fresh graduates with technical expertise, equipping them with the practical skills needed to excel in their careers.
“It aligns with SPDC’s broader educational initiatives, contributing significantly to the actualisation of the UNESCO Education for All agenda and the Sustainable Development Goals in Nigeria, particularly in the Niger Delta.
“We owe the success of the programme to the untiring support of our JV partners, the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC,) TotalEnergies and Nigerian Agip Oil Company Limited for which we’re grateful.”
By Aduragbemi Omiyale
Mr Robert Dalziel has been picked to be the new Managing Director of Interocean Marine Services, as part of the strategies of the company to drive its growth in the Middle East and Asia Pacific (APAC) region.
A statement disclosed that Mr Dalziel was chosen for the task because of his in-depth understanding of Interocean’s operations and strategic objectives.
It was stated that his leadership would ensure a seamless transition into this new role, reinforcing the company’s commitment to delivering an integrated technology-led, asset support service.
He joined the organisation in December 2024. He had been the chief executive of Rigmar Group, which recently merged with Interocean, a specialist provider of marine services to the global energy industry.
He comes with nearly 30 years of engineering and business development expertise within the energy sector.
His extensive technical knowledge, coupled with a proven track record in commercial strategy, will be pivotal in driving Interocean’s ambitious growth plans across the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) and Asia Pacific (APAC) regions.
“We are thrilled to welcome Robert to the team. His exceptional leadership and proven success in driving business growth will be invaluable as we enhance our market presence, and continue to deliver exceptional service to our clients across the region,” the chief operating officer of Interocean, Mr Alex Clark, commented.
The appointee, while speaking, said, “I am absolutely delighted to be rejoining Interocean during this exciting period of growth.
“After nearly 10 years, it was a fantastic opportunity to be involved in the next evolution of the business. The company’s commitment to innovation and its client-centric approach is inspiring.
“I look forward to working with the talented team to drive continued growth and strengthen our position internationally.”
In line with its international expansion, Interocean is growing its MENA & APAC business, with plans to increase its regional presence in five new regions.
This investment demonstrates the company’s dedication to supporting both current and future projects while strengthening its regional capabilities.
Looking ahead to 2025, the company will continue to deliver a comprehensive range of project solutions that encompasses everything from planning, design, and installation to operational maintenance and decommissioning.
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