Winter months can have detrimental affects on a company’s workforce, as the number of daylight hours are shortened and cause employees to submit to seasonal fatigue. According to the Productivity Pro, one of the biggest challenges employees face as shorter days become more regular is the decrease in productivity. When days are longer and sun is more prevalent, workers are motivated to accomplish their daily tasks on time so they’re able to leave and enjoy the weather. However, once the season changes and outdoor conditions are less-than-favorable, workers begin to stretch out their day and take more work home, resulting in a less fruitful work day during normal hours.
That’s why it’s crucial companies look for strategies to re-engage employees and boost productivity back to normal levels – a move that’s beneficial for the employee and business alike.
“Everything we do is about ensuring happy and successful team members,” Libba Letton, Whole Foods spokesperson, told Biz Journals when asked why employee engagement was so important to business. “We believe that if you take care of everyone in your circle, everyone will be happy …. Employees will be happy and give great service to customers, making shareholders and suppliers happy.”
One way companies can motivate employees during winter slumps is through sales competitions. Competitions naturally draw upon worker motivation and their desire to meet specific sales goals and compensation targets. With the use of a “What if?” calculator, a feature of some sales compensation management dashboards that allow users to plan how much they must sell in order to meet bonus requirements, sales incentives can be bolstered further
When employees feel they have something to gain from the workplace, such as higher pay, they are more likely to stay engaged, despite frigid temperatures and shorter days.