A Word from Our CEO, Murray Norton, August 2024

As pop royalty Cliff has been in Jersey recently, and as we bask in the warmth of the summer sun – well at least a glimpse of it - it's time to talk about something that’s on everyone's mind: Holidays!

Right now, Productivity is our buzzword and improving it is the economic goal, so what happens in August then? (And let me say right here, if you are in our valued Jersey Visitor Economy, from hoteliers to retailers, this might not apply to you, as I know well, you’ll be in peak trade).

On the sunny side of life:

1. Rejuvenation and Morale Boost: Taking a break is essential for mental and physical health. Summer holidays provide a much-needed respite, allowing employees to recharge. When they return, they're often more motivated and energised, which can lead to a burst in productivity. September to November is recognised as the most productive period of the year. (Probably because the year is slipping away too).

2. Creativity and Innovation: A change of scenery can do wonders for creativity. Stepping away from the daily grind gives employees the space to think outside the box. Many great ideas are born on a beach, in the mountains, or during a relaxed afternoon at home.

3. Work-Life Balance: Encouraging holiday leave fosters a healthy work-life balance. This balance is crucial for long-term productivity as it prevents burnout. Happy employees are productive employees.

On the cloudy issue of productivity in August

1. Short-term Disruptions: There’s no denying that when multiple team members are on leave, it can disrupt workflows. Projects might well slow down, and the remaining staff might feel the pinch, potentially affecting productivity.

2. Coordination Challenges: Coordinating schedules to ensure that business operations run smoothly can be tricky. If not managed well, it can lead to gaps in communication and project delays and some stressed staff left holding the fort – FYI they won’t appreciate that photo of you by the pool, so don’t post it!

3. Customer Service Impact: In customer-facing roles, the absence of key staff can impact service levels. Ensuring that customers still receive top-notch service during peak holiday times requires some thinking – or lost customers.

At this point the Productivity gurus will say the key is to strike a balance. That of course is easier said than done. Encouraging employees to take their well-deserved breaks while ensuring that business operations continue seamlessly is not easy. You could try to stagger holidays, but as we all know the window for a summer break is the same for everyone and if you have kids in school, there are only so many weeks in late July and August to get away.

Some might suggest temporary staff, but we know how tricky it is to get any staff at any time, but hiring temps is a thought, if not an answer. Chances are employees will have to handle multiple roles so they can step in when needed.

Summer holidays can present challenges, but the likelihood is that everyone else is running at half capacity and half speed too, so it’ll be quieter than normal in some sectors, a tell-tale outbreak of out of office notices will appear and that is certainly going to deliver a productivity dip across the business landscape. The States Assembly is in summer recess and Chamber don’t have a Chamber Lunch in August, as a result of ‘everyone being away’

I’m a huge fan on improving productivity but fir this month best that we enjoy the sunshine – please let there be some and our beautiful surroundings and that businesses view a summer break as an investment in the most valuable resource: people.

Let’s hope we can all enjoy the summer – and a happy, healthy productive workforce is the returning result.

Wishing you all a fantastic summer,

The Jersey Chamber of Commerce