Q: What are some fun ways to keep employees engaged, especially during the summer?
A: Get the team out for some special bonding time. From painting parties to a day at the horse races, there are endless opportunities to get your team reinvigorated to continue out the rest of the summer strong. It’s also a great time to connect with the team about goals moving forward based on employee feedback. Try to keep it lighthearted, though!

Kristen Wessel

Q: How about activities at the office?
A: Yes, food trucks. The number of GIFs that filled our internal company chat channel when the announcement was made that food trucks were coming on two hot afternoons was enough to make the software crash. The team was ecstatic and re-energized by having an acai bowl food truck surprise one day, and a cold brew, ice cream and iced tea truck the next week. By providing employees with a special treat, they’re not only happy to be acknowledged and rewarded, but also get a nice boost of energy from an afternoon crash.

Q: Are there smaller actions that still have impact?
A: Absolutely. You could do a weekly or monthly giveaway of a $20 Starbucks gift card. It’s a small but meaningful gesture that highlights people for good work they’ve done. It makes them feel appreciated.

Q: Do you recommend fewer hours on Fridays during the summer?
A: Flex Fridays are a great way to encourage flexibility during the rest of the summer. With the many technological advances, there should be no problem with staying in communication with the team while letting them work from home on Fridays.

Q: What activities do you recommend for other seasons?
A: You want to keep your employees engaged all year round. We do a Friendsgiving in the office around Thanksgiving. During the holidays, we have ornament decorating, a Secret Santa and an office Christmas party. One year our founder asked for our favorite recipes and put them all into a book as Christmas gifts for us. Kristen Wessel is the senior director of public relations and operations at ChicExecs Brand Development, a California-based marketing agency. Previously, Wessel spent nearly a decade working as an Emmy Award-winning news anchor. At ChicExecs, she secures media placements for clients while helping promote and maintain their brands.

Kristen Wessel is the senior director of public relations and operations at ChicExecs Brand Development, a California-based marketing agency. Previously, Wessel spent nearly a decade working as an Emmy Award-winning news anchor. At ChicExecs, she secures media placements for clients while helping promote and maintain their brands.