Slow-Mo Summer: How to Keep Your Team Engaged Without Forcing the Fun
with bonus tips from Olive Pique, HOST’s resident event expert and mascot
It’s that time of year—your team’s either half-checked out or overheating. Summer Fridays? Optional. Attendance at meetings? Spotty. Morale? Still alive, but definitely lounging in a hammock. If your workplace is feeling the midsummer slowdown, you’re not alone.
The good news? You don’t have to crank up the energy to keep connection alive. In fact, the best mid-summer moves are the softest ones.
Summer Office Goals
Embrace the Chill (Don’t Fight It)
There’s a reason things feel quiet in July—it’s supposed to be that way. Trying to force full-throttle productivity right now can lead to burnout, frustration, or worse: fake fun.
Instead, give your team permission to downshift without disconnecting.
| Mental wellness matters more than meeting quotas in 90-degree heat.
Whether you’re in-office, remote, or something in between, now is the perfect time to offer your people a little breathing room—and a few moments of joy.
Light Touch, Big Impact: 5 Ways to Spark Summer Connection
The Desk Drop Delight
Send a little summer love. Think: popsicle kits, SPF sets, watermelon-themed notepads, or iced tea samplers. A small gesture goes a long way.
Host a Tiny Virtual Moment
No long agendas here. A quick virtual trivia, a five-senses meditation, or a “bring your pet to Zoom” moment creates a lift without taking over the day.
Friday Flex Chats
Create a weekly drop-in space for iced coffee, good recs, and zero pressure. Try themes like “Beach Reads & Iced Teas,” “Vacay Photos Only,” or “Things We’re Absolutely Not Doing.”
Field Marketing Pop-Ups
If you’re planning a summer activation, lean into the season: outdoor community events, branded fans, cool treats, and intentional conversations. We can help you get creative (and stay cool).
Try the ‘Don’t Do’ List Challenge
This might be our favorite. Invite your team to publicly share three things they’re not doing this week.
Examples:
“Not joining calls without an agenda.”
“Not apologizing for taking PTO.”
“Not eating lunch at my desk every day.”
Create a Slack thread, keep it casual, and reward the most delightfully rebellious submissions with a little treat.
🍸 Bonus tip from Olive Pique
“If you can’t take a summer Friday, take a summer fifteen. Stretch your legs. Turn off your email. Sip something sparkly. Bonus points if it’s cold, fabulous, and comes with a tiny umbrella.”
Hosting Matters
You don’t need a full-blown event to show your people they matter. A small, intentional moment—whether it’s a popsicle break or a surprise wellness workshop—can do wonders for connection and morale.
HOST designs both virtual and in-person experiences that bring people together, spark a little joy, and meet the moment (yes, even the slow summer ones).
Let’s make it easy. Tell us your team’s vibe, and we’ll bring the breeze.
plan a summer refresh →