Summer Vacation Returns: How To Avoid The Pitfalls Of The Summer Slacker

(Tuesday, June 06, 2006) - With the highly anticipated summer season upon us, many organizations will soon begin their warm weather metamorphoses. Dress codes will start to transform and longer days will lead to shorter office hours. Frequent vacations will result in half-staffed departments, and overall, a more casual office attitude will prevail.

"Embrace your company's summertime policies," says Peter Handal, chairman, president and CEO of Dale Carnegie Training. "It is important to interpret seasonal guidelines in the generous spirit they were intended while maintaining a professional decorum."

Peter's suggestions for appropriate summertime decorum include:

Enjoying the Summer Dress Code:
Dress codes are often relaxed to promote productivity by making employees more comfortable in the heat. Workers are ideally less distracted in lightweight clothing; however, it is important not to abuse this policy.

Enjoy the relaxed summer environment, but don't let questionable fashion choices overshadow your exceptional work. Avoid skimpy or revealing garments to avoid any dress code hassles. Keep in mind that what you wear says something about your personality and reflects a decision you have made.

Stress-Free Vacations:
Because so many people choose to take their vacation days during the summer, check with Human Resources and your supervisor in advance regarding your days off.

Try to stagger your vacation days with your co-workers to ensure there is always someone in the office to cover all business matters. This thoughtful foresight will not only make your supervisor happy, but it will allow you to leave the office with peace of mind, knowing that everything will be taken care of while you are gone.

Shortened Summer Hours:
Many companies have a "summer hours" policy, Memorial Day through Labor Day, to let employees get an early start on weekend getaways. This is a gesture of goodwill by your employer and should really be viewed as a reward, not a standard.

Employees should be sure to meet deadlines and maintain productivity levels even with shortened hours. By getting all your work completed by early Friday afternoon, you can show your employer the effectiveness of lenient policies and ensure that they will be in place every summer.

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