Raise your hand if you’re going on vacation this summer or just got back. Hopefully you raised your hand!
June, July, August, and September are the most popular months to take time off. That makes sense; it’s summertime. We’re between our big projects and events. Our customers, clients, and coworkers are all taking time off. It’s the perfect time to step away from work.
While we all need to recharge — and taking PTO is critical to reducing burnout — there’s still work to do. As we know, innovation requires continuous attention to creation, collaboration, and iteration. So what happens when summer gets in the way?
This article shares three strategies to help keep the innovation spark alive as the temps heat up and energy cools off.
Brainstorm for breakthroughs
Summer comes with some down time, so it’s the perfect opportunity to gather your team for brainstorming sessions focused on specific goals. Whether it’s planning for Q3 and Q4, streamlining existing processes, or realigning with annual goals, brainstorming can unlock a wealth of pulse-checks, new ideas, and solutions. By encouraging open communication and collaboration, these sessions foster a sense of ownership among team members and generate fresh perspectives that can lead to breakthroughs.
Spark insightful discussions and innovative solutions with questions like:
- What are our top priorities for the next two quarters?
- How can we streamline our current workflows?
- What adjustments do we need to make to achieve our annual goals?
Need more inspiration? → 5 types of brainstorming questions to kick-start ideation.
Learn something new
Summer’s also a great time to upskill. Was there something you or your team leaned on others to do this year that you wish you’d known how to do yourselves? Want to be in a stronger position before pursuing a promotion? There’s no time like the summer to invest in yourself. You and your company will see immediate upside from any new knowledge you attain. It’s a confidence booster and an innovation driver.
According to Miro’s 2023 Soft Skills Report, 97% of knowledge workers agree that learning a new skill can make their jobs “recession-proof.”
Encourage your teams to take advantage of educational opportunities such as online courses, conferences, or workshops relevant to their roles. By acquiring new skills and knowledge, employees not only enhance their individual capabilities but also bring fresh insights and approaches to the workplace. This can lead to increased efficiency, productivity, and ultimately, a more innovative and adaptable team.
Check this out → The future requires new skills: Get your organization ready with learning and development
Start (or resume) passion and side projects
Summer offers a unique opportunity to re-engage with your personal passions and interests. Dust off those projects you’ve been putting off because of more immediate priorities. These endeavors can serve as a valuable source of inspiration and rejuvenation. Whether it’s writing, painting, coding, or volunteering, pursuing passion projects can spark creativity, enhance problem-solving skills, and lead to renewed energy and focus upon returning to work.
Passion or side projects can also introduce you to people, ideas, tools, and resources you otherwise wouldn’t engage with during your day-to-day work. Those experiences can transform your perspective on what you do and how your team creates impact.
Don’t lose your summer
By embracing these three strategies, individuals and companies can effectively combat the summer innovation slump and continue to foster a thriving creative culture. Brainstorming sessions, skill development initiatives, and diving into passion projects all contribute to a more engaged, motivated, and innovative workforce.
Innovation is a continuous journey, and by proactively nurturing creativity, organizations can ensure they remain at the forefront of their industries year round.
And a reminder: You can do this and still schedule some downtime for yourself. Put in that PTO request!
