Supporting Your Team’s Well-Being This Summer

Encourage Time Off (And Mean It)

Many employees hesitate to take time away, even when they have vacation days available. They might worry about workload, client needs, or being seen as less committed. As a leader, setting the tone matters. Talk openly about the importance of rest and recovery, and encourage your team to truly unplug when they take time off.

Make it easier for people to step away by:

• Planning ahead for coverage
• Redistributing tasks
• Checking in to ensure workloads are manageable

A well-rested team is more engaged, more productive, and better equipped to handle the busy periods that follow.

Support Flexible Schedules

Summer brings different rhythms. Kids are home from school, family trips come up, and the sun outside is hard to resist. Consider ways to offer flexibility, whether that means adjusted hours, half-day Fridays, or hybrid work options.

Small shifts in schedules can make a big difference in morale. Flexibility shows your team that you trust them and understand their needs beyond the office walls.

Highlight Mental Health Resources

While summer can be energizing, it can also bring stress for some employees. Balancing childcare, coordinating vacations, or feeling pressure to “make the most” of the season can be overwhelming.

Make sure your team knows what mental health resources are available through your benefits plan. You can support this by:

• Sending a quick reminder email
• Sharing a simple guide to accessing resources
• Hosting a short info session

When employees feel comfortable using these supports, it helps create a workplace where well-being is prioritized all year.

Encourage Movement and Outdoor Time

We spend much of the year cooped up indoors, so summer is a great time to promote activities that get people moving and outside.

Ideas to support this include:

• Highlighting wellness or spending accounts for fitness classes, hiking gear, or local passes
• Organizing optional team walks or outdoor lunches
• Encouraging group volunteer days or community events

These small moments of connection can strengthen relationships and help people recharge.

Promote Hydration and Healthy Habits

It might sound simple, but reminding your team to stay hydrated and make healthy choices in the heat is an easy win.

Support this by:

• Keeping water stocked in the office
• Providing light, fresh snacks at meetings
• Encouraging breaks for a quick stretch or refill

Wellness doesn’t have to be complicated. Small gestures can show employees that their everyday experience matters just as much as the big picture.

Check In Regularly

One of the best ways to support well-being is to keep the lines of communication open. Regular, informal check-ins can help you understand what’s working and where support is needed. 

These conversations don’t have to be formal. A quick chat over coffee or a few minutes after a meeting can create space for honest feedback.

Build Habits That Last Beyond the Season

Supporting wellness in the summer is important, but it’s also an opportunity to create habits that continue throughout the year. By building a culture that values flexibility, encourages balance, and prioritizes mental health, you help your team feel supported no matter the season.

A thoughtful benefits strategy is a big part of that foundation. When employees know they’re backed by a plan that meets their needs, they can focus on doing their best work and enjoy life outside of work, too.

If you’re looking to align your benefits plan with a stronger wellness strategy, connect with one of our advisors today. We’re always happy to talk through ideas and help you create a plan that truly supports your people.