Gay Jones & Kuhn Summer Series:
Out of Office - Using Summer Hours to Achieve a Work-Life Balance
July 18, 2024
Mary Margaret Gay
During the summer, small businesses may be able to decrease hours or close for vacation. These summer changes require planning and communication to ensure minimal impact on customers and compliance with your legal responsibilities. Whether it's to accommodate staff vacations, capitalize on seasonal trends, or simply to promote work-life balance for your team, reducing business hours can be a strategic decision.
You should consider the following when reducing hours or closing a small business during the summer season:
1. Plan Ahead.
Before implementing changes, carefully assess your business needs and staffing availability during the summer months. Consider factors such as customer demand, employee preferences, and any potential impact on operations. Planning ahead allows you to make informed decisions and minimize disruptions to your business.
2. Know the Requirements.
Often, businesses may forget that a lease or vendor contract may require certain operational hours or online presence. Read those documents carefully to make sure you know what you can and can’t do. For instance, businesses located in shopping centers may be subject to minimum operating hours. If you are unsure of your lease requirements or you need a modification, be sure to ask your landlord and get confirmation of your plan in writing.
3. Communicate (Anywhere, Everywhere).
Effective communication is crucial when adjusting business hours. Inform your customers well in advance about any changes to operating hours. Utilize multiple channels such as your website, social media platforms, email newsletters, and signage at your physical location so that customers are aware of when you'll be open. Signs at your location may be controlled by your landlord, or even city and state ordinances, so be sure you know the rules.
4. Update Website & Social Media Hours.
Make sure to update your business hours on all online platforms and accounts where your business hours and open days are listed. Consistency in your online presence helps avoid confusion and allows customers to easily find accurate information. Go ahead and make yourself a note to update when you go back to normal hours!
5. Talk to Your Team.
Work with your team to coordinate time off to maximize the closures. Adjust tasks and responsibilities in writing and be sure everyone understands when summer hours or changes start and stop. Be clear and specific, so everyone on your team is on the same page.
6. Consider Small Business Collaborations.
Being part of a small business community and promoting others can go a long way for your customers and potential new customers. Supporting others pays off, and if reducing hours significantly impacts customer service or availability, you may consider offering alternative options by partnering with or promoting other small businesses. There are creative ways to do this including offering customers suggestions on who to use while you are out, talking to another small business and alternating closure times, or simply highlighting small businesses you like.
8. Take Full Advantage of Reduced Hours.
In addition to rest and vacation, this summertime adjustment can be used to recharge your business and your team. View it as an opportunity to optimize operations and focus on quality over quantity. Use the extra time to train staff, update systems, refresh inventory, or launch summer promotions that attract customers during peak hours. It is a great time to meet with your lawyer and your accountant to ensure your business is on track. Taking time to meet with your lawyer during the summer can identify action items that can be addressed while you have the time—before the hustle and bustle that often comes with back-to-school and the fall season when it may be tempting to push things to the back burner. Summer is a great mid-year opportunity to be sure you have your legal ducks in a row to minimize risk and save your business money down the road from an avoidable legal headache.
Adjusting business hours during the summer can be a strategic move for small businesses to align with seasonal trends and optimize operations. By planning ahead, communicating effectively, and monitoring performance, businesses can successfully navigate seasonal changes in hours while maintaining customer satisfaction and employee morale. Embrace flexibility and use the opportunity to enhance your business strategies for a successful summer season.