A Gentler Summer

Flexible Practices that Help Your Team Slow Down Together


The pace of work doesn’t have to drown out the rhythm of summer. Longer days and more warmth invite a different tempo—one of calm, connection, and care. Across industries, even small shifts in how we work can help employees feel more grounded, more valued, and more resilient.  

 
Consider what it would look like to make space to slow down within the work. Whether your team works in offices, classrooms, clinics, kitchens, or production floors, every environment can benefit from moments of pause. 

 

Why Flexibility Matters (Especially in the Summer) 
Even in busy or structured workplaces, simple efforts to build in small resets can: 

Summer brings a natural shift in energy and responsibilities—from longer days and increased caregiving needs to a desire for more time outdoors or with family. Flexibility during this season isn’t just practical; it’s proactive. A little give in the system can go a long way in boosting motivation, retention, and mental clarity.  

 

Practical Ideas for Any Workplace 

 
Micro-Pause Practices (No Schedule Change Needed) 
Below are flexible, adaptable ideas to help your workplace embrace a slower, more intentional summer—no matter the setting: 

  • Stretch Circles: Start or end a shift, meeting, or huddle with a quick stretch. These 3-5 minutes can reduce muscle tension, prevent injury, and help transition into or out of focused work. 

  • Quiet Corners or Recharge Spots: Even a very small, designated chair, hallway nook, or calming poster in a staff space can serve as a visual cue to pause. Let staff know it’s okay to take a few quiet minutes when they need it. (Bonus: reach out to your designated account manager at Invest EAP, they’d love to share some digital options for your space). 

  • Facilitating Outdoor Engagement: Create small, low-barrier ways for employees to step outside during the day—even for just a few minutes. This might include putting a picnic table outside, encouraging short walks during breaks, or even posting a sign near the door encouraging people to briefly step outside (we’ve got you covered: you can use the one we made here).  

 
Getting Creative with Schedules (When Flexibility Is Possible) 

For workplaces that can accommodate some fluidity, these practices encourage a slower pace while maintaining productivity and coverage. 

  • No-Meeting Time Blocks: Dedicate a couple hours each week where meetings are discouraged or off-limits to allow for uninterrupted work, reflection, or catch-up time. Clearly communicate expectations to reduce guilt around using this time for recharging. 

  • Summer Shift Swaps or Flex Hours: Provide more options for staff to swap shifts, adjust start/end times, or stagger break periods. This shows trust in your team’s autonomy while giving them more control over their day. 

  • Summer Fridays or Summer Flex Days: Allow teams to end the day early when workload permits. Even once a month, this gesture signals respect for work-life balance and seasonal energy levels. 

  • Intentional Buffers: Where possible, build in brief resets between demanding tasks (think back-to-back meetings or high-volume service rushes).  

 
Make Flexibility a Path Toward Sustainability 

As the pace of work continues year-round, summer offers a unique opportunity to pause, reassess, and gently adjust how we show up. By embedding even small moments of flexibility—within shifts, meetings and team norms, we help prevent burnout, preserve focus, and make the workday hours more human. 

 
More than just seasonal perks, these are sustainable practices that support people and not just productivity. Our management consultation is here for you and your workplace if you’re looking to embed more flexibility into your workplace for summer, or beyond.