Boston winters are tough, but I’d argue that summer is tougher—warm sun on your face, coastal breeze through your hair, and short sleeves taking the place of bulky winter gear. I know it might not seem tough—but walking through the front door of the office under these conditions can be a blow to company morale.
For an entrepreneur or startup, the resulting drop in productivity and focus—the dreaded summer slump—can be detrimental if left to build. And in a coworking space like NGIN, group mentality is everything. Summer slump sounds intimidating, but don’t lose hope just yet. There are plenty of ways to keep up coworking productivity during the hot summer months.
Here are five ways to subdue the slump at your startup this summer!
1. Take advantage of connectivity
A lot of people harp on the distractive nature of technology, but it also has its advantages. With free, high-speed Wi-Fi and plenty of plug-and-play workspace, it’s easy to get up and move around the NGIN office. According to Forbes, studies show that increased movement in the workplace increases productivity, energy, and creative thinking.
From changing desks to sinking into a giant office beanbag, using a standing desk to taking a stroll around the work space, there are plenty of opportunities for movement around NGIN. Not only does a new perspective on the office foster a new perspective on a project, but changing locations also encourages coworker interactions that boost morale and renew energy.
2. Get yourself moving
The Cambridge-Boston area only gets a couple of months of warm sunshine per year. Taking advantage of the weather to go for a quick run or walk decreases stress and clears your mind for more innovative thinking throughout the day. Take a stroll around NGIN’s neighborhood, get inspired by Tech Square and the energy of other thoughtful minds around you.
On the days when the heat is just too much to go out or the rain keeps you inside, just walking around the office to stretch your legs and your mind can boost your morale. And if that doesn’t cut it, take advantage of NGIN’s Member Perks and hit Turn Style Cycle, CW Taekwondo, or Cambridge Athletic Club, where NGIN members get free and discounted classes and memberships. And don’t worry—you can refresh and refocus with a quick shower at NGIN before popping back over to your workspace!
3. Hydrate and fuel up
It’s nice to beat the heat in an air-conditioned office, but even the morning commute in the summer can sap your energy. Before starting any work, make sure to head over to NGIN’s open kitchen space and grab water—flat, sparkling, or flavored thanks to our Bevi machine—boost your energy with Scheckter’s Organic Energy drinks, or help yourself to some coffee or tea.
While you’re at it, grab some granola, fruit, yogurt, or cereal to keep your energy up and keep your mind focused. Staying hydrated and giving your body energy for the day is the first step toward happiness and success on a summer work day!
4. Practice Mindfulness
When outdoor fun is calling and work starts getting to you, sometimes the only thing to do is take a step away from your desk and reflect a bit. Practicing mindfulness through meditation, yoga, and introspection helps clear the mind when struggling with a challenging task or when hitting a road block.
Mindfulness also means allowing yourself to relax—and even enjoy yourself—in your work space. Throughout the month, NGIN hosts various events in the office. These range from Beer Fridays to Smoothie Tuesdays, with everything from pancakes to wine and cheese in between. We also provide Show & Tells, during which various companies working and growing here at NGIN can share their projects and get feedback from their entrepreneurial community.
5. Set doable daily goals
This may seem basic, and it is. But many people forget that there is only so much that can be done in one day—especially for entrepreneurs with amazing ideas! The execution takes time, and this can get overwhelming, especially during the summer when there seems to be so much to do at once.
Setting doable daily goals each morning not only increases morale, but it actually increases productivity, too. When you feel like you’ve accomplished something, no matter how small, bigger accomplishments seem that much more plausible.
So, despite the summer heat making coworkers feel sluggish, these are just a few simple ways to boost morale and increase coworking productivity. At NGIN, entrepreneurs connect and help each other grow and accomplish—and have a great time while they do it.
By Brianna Rapoza, NGIN Workplace Intern
