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 Aduragbemi Omiyale
In line with the 12-year tenure prescribed for non-executive directors of banks by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Mr Tony Elumelu will on August 21, 2026, cease to be chairman of United Bank for Africa (UBA) Plc.
The board of the financial institution at its meeting on July 6, 2026, has elected Mr Emmanuel Nnorom as the new chairman.
In a notice to the Nigerian Exchange (NGX) Limited, the lender said Mr Elumelu’s successor, a non-executive director of the company, will assume the new role on August 21, 2026.
Mr Nnorom is a chartered accountant with over 40 years of experience in banking, finance and audit. He brings to the role extensive leadership experience and deep institutional knowledge of UBA.
“I am honoured by the trust the Board has placed in me and deeply conscious of the legacy I inherit.
“I look forward to working with my colleagues on the board, management and our staff across all our markets to sustain UBA’s momentum and continue delivering long-term value to our shareholders, customers and stakeholders,” Mr Nnorom stated.
Commenting on his retirement, Mr Elumelu said, “Serving United Bank for Africa has been one of the great privileges of my career.
“UBA has a unique competitive position, across Africa and globally, and I leave the Board with great confidence in UBA’s future.
“Emmanuel Nnorom is a leader of integrity, experience and sound judgement, and I am confident that the Bank will continue to thrive under his leadership.”
The board thanked him for his visionary leadership and exceptional contribution to the growth, transformation and institutional strength of the UBA Group.
By Adedapo Adesanya
WACT-APM Terminals Nigeria has announced the appointment of Mr Courage Obadagbonyi as Managing Director, effective July 1, 2026, succeeding Mr Jeethu Jose and becoming the first Nigerian to hold the post.
The appointment reflects the organisation’s continued focus on developing strong leadership from within its global talent pool while ensuring sustained growth and operational excellence.
A seasoned executive with more than two decades of international experience, Mr Obadagbonyi has held leadership roles across finance, operations and general management at leading global organisations, including APM Terminals, General Electric and Lafarge.
Prior to this appointment, he served as Chief Financial Officer (CFO) for the APM Terminals Nigeria cluster, with responsibility for financial strategy across Nigeria and San Pedro, Côte d’Ivoire.
He also served in an acting capacity as Managing Director of APM Terminals Apapa between 2025 and March 2026, further strengthening his operational leadership experience.
With experience spanning sectors such as oil and gas, power generation, logistics and healthcare, Mr Obadagbonyi brings deep expertise in financial management, risk optimisation and business performance.
Speaking on his appointment, he said, “I look forward to building on the strong foundation already in place at WACT. The terminal plays a critical role in connecting businesses in Eastern Nigeria to global markets, and we will continue to focus on safe, reliable and efficient operations.”
On his part, the Chief Executive Officer of APM Terminals Nigeria, Mr Frederik Klinke, noted that the appointment reflects the company’s commitment to leadership development and long-term growth.
“Across APM Terminals globally, we see strong collaboration and talent development across our teams. This appointment reflects the depth of experience within our organisation and our continued focus on building capabilities that support sustainable growth. Nigerians have continued to distinguish themselves through exceptional performance and leadership. Colleagues from our Apapa and Onne terminals have contributed their expertise internationally while also bringing back valuable best practices to strengthen operations in Nigeria.”
He added that Mr Obadagbonyi’s experience would support the next phase of operational excellence and value delivery at WACT.
The outgoing MD, Mr Jose, said, “It has been a privilege to lead WACT-APM Terminals Nigeria during a period of meaningful progress. The team has built a strong platform for the future, and I am confident in the continued success of the organisation.”
West Africa Container Terminal (WACT)-APM Terminals in Onne, Rivers State, is one of Nigeria’s leading container terminals, having commenced commercial operations in 2006.
The company has continued to invest in capacity expansion and modernisation, including a $115 million terminal upgrade project launched in 2020. The upgrade also includes the deployment of reefer racks with a 600-plug capacity, as well as the expansion of the existing yard, a new workshop, a new terminal auto gate, modernised offices and state-of-the-art technology. These investments have enhanced efficiency, strengthened service delivery and reinforced WACT’s role as an important gateway for trade beyond Lagos.
By Aduragbemi Omiyale
A new member has joined the board of Unilever Nigeria Plc, and she is Mrs Modupe Femi-Okunbanjo, who was appointed as an executive director of the organisation.
Her appointment, according to a statement from the company, is effective June 30, 2026. It followed the resignation of Mr Ibrahim Sodipe as an executive director of the firm with effect from June 30, 2026.
Mr Sodipe was praised for his valuable service and significant contributions to the entity, particularly in driving improved turnover and profitability and supporting Unilever Nigeria’s continued progress towards sustainable and profitable growth.
Mrs Femi-Okunbanjo was described as an accomplished finance and governance leader who, for more than 15 years, has steered finance teams, shaped strategy, and strengthened risk management frameworks in the fast-moving consumer goods and telecommunications sectors.
She is currently the Financial Controller of Nigeria and Regional Controls Lead for West Africa at Unilever Nigeria, where she oversees financial governance, regulatory compliance, and enterprise risk management.
Her work has been pivotal in embedding ethical leadership and data-driven decision-making at board level, while ensuring organisations remain resilient in the face of shifting market dynamics.
The new board member has established a reputation for elevating financial reporting, advancing audit excellence, and strengthening governance frameworks, thereby positioning organisations for sustainable growth and long-term value creation.
In her previous roles, she has a consistent track record of delivering margin expansion, enhancing governance & control environments, and leading transformation in challenging macroeconomic conditions.
She is equally committed to developing future talent and advancing financial literacy among younger generations.
Prior to her joining Unilever Nigeria Plc in 2018, Mrs Femi-Okunbanjo held key roles at UAC of Nigeria Plc, Helios Towers Nigeria, and Makasa Sun Nigeria Limited, where she pioneered control frameworks from the ground up, eliminating revenue leakages, digitising operations and embedding financial discipline.
A Fellow of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria (ICAN) and a Member of the Chartered Institute of Management Accountants (CIMA), she holds a Bachelor’s degree in Accounting from Lagos State University and an MBA with Specialisation in Strategy from the Edinburgh Business School, Heriot-Watt University, UK.
