There is something about August that changes the way we work.
Emails take a little longer to get answered. Meetings mysteriously become “something we can pick up in September” and, if we're being completely honest, knowing what day of the week it is can become a genuine challenge.
And then there is the ultimate sign that summer has arrived: the out-of-office message.
“I’m currently out of the office…”
We all know the traditional version.
Thank you for your email. I am currently out of the office and will return on Monday 17th August. I will respond to your email as soon as possible upon my return.
Professional. Sensible. Entirely reasonable.
But perhaps the summer version should be a little more honest.
Thank you for your email. I am currently somewhere warm, probably eating something I shouldn't and trying not to check my emails. I have absolutely no idea what day it is and will deal with this when I return.
Or perhaps:
I am currently on holiday. Your email has been received and is being carefully ignored until I return.
We wouldn't actually recommend sending those, of course!
The August business slowdown
Summer holidays can create an interesting period for businesses.
One person is away. Then another. Suddenly the person who normally deals with something is sitting beside a swimming pool somewhere in Spain.
Before you know it, you're hearing:
“I'm sure Sarah normally deals with that.”
Of course, the summer slowdown isn't necessarily a bad thing.
It can be a useful opportunity to step back from the day-to-day pressure and look at the things that often get pushed down the list during a busy period.
Is your website working as hard as it could?
Are your systems helping your team or creating extra work?
Are there processes that could be made simpler?
And are there jobs you've been saying you'll get around to “when things calm down”?
Well… things have probably calmed down.
Make the most of the quieter months
While summer can mean holidays, shorter weeks and slightly slower decision-making, it can also be the perfect time to review how your business operates.
September will arrive surprisingly quickly.
The phones will get busier, inboxes will fill up again and everyone will suddenly remember all the things they wanted to get done before Christmas.
So while you're enjoying the sunshine, perhaps make a note of a few things you'd like to improve when you're back.
And if one of those things involves technology, digital systems or making your business work a little more efficiently, that's exactly the sort of conversation worth having before the autumn rush begins.
For now, though…
Enjoy the summer.
And if you're reading this from a sun lounger, we'll forgive you for not replying to that email until Monday.
