While the calendar says the official start of summer is more than a month away, it’s not too early…or too late…to be thinking about that time of the year. The nature of your business may greatly affect what you do now. For example, if your business is outdoor-focused, you’re facing your busy season and need to plan accordingly. If this is a slow time, use this to your advantage by prospecting for new customers and clients, as well as doing strategic planning for the business. Here are some ideas to get you started.
Vacation scheduling
Vacations are important for employees; it helps maintain a good work-life balance.
- Review your vacation policy. How much time off? According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, employees on average receive 11 days per year for a combination of sick and vacation days after one year of service, 15 days after 5 years of service, 18 days after 18 years of service, and 20 days after 20 years of service.
- Determine how vacation time is paid. Some companies have dedicated vacation days, while others use Paid Time Off (PTO)—days accrued by employees that can be used for vacation, sick, personal days, or for other purposes. How is paid time off accrued? Paycom lists states with statutory and mandatory PTO requirements.
- Schedule time off. The sooner this is done, the better for the employees and the business. Employees can book their vacations; the business can make staffing plans.
- Arrange for coverage. In small businesses, when one employee is out, others usually have to do their tasks. Rather than relying on remaining staff, a company can make other arrangements, including summer interns or temporary workers.
Summer safety concerns
The summer brings heat, and employees working outdoors may face health threats. This is especially true for those in construction, landscaping, and agriculture.
- OSHA offers information for employers on how to prevent heat-related illnesses, how hot is too hot, and planning and supervision.
- Check state regulations. For example, Maryland’s Heat Prevention Standard requires employers to give 10-minute breaks every 2 hours for employees working outdoors or in facilities without air conditioning and, when the temperature is 80 degrees or higher, 15-minute breaks every hour. In addition, employers must provide 32 ounces of cool drinking water every hour and, when the temperature reaches 90 degrees, certain regular rest periods.
Summer marketing strategies
While there are not a lot of big holidays from June 20 to September 22, 2025—only Father’s Day, July 4th, and Labor Day—there are still opportunities to create marketing strategies suitable for the summer months. Here are some ideas to think about:
- Summer sales. Whether you’re trying to move unsold spring merchandise or pushing summer items, tailor marketing strategies to feature summer themes, such as vacations and gardens. Consider summer-themed giveaways, such as water bottles and beach towels. Participate in farmers’ markets.
- Social media content. Create postings with summer ideas that may be relevant to your brand.
- Summer events. Host summer-themed events. Sponsor local events, such as charity runs.
Budget adjustments
The summer may be a slow time…or a hot time…for your business, depending on the nature of the industry you’re in. This impacts revenue and expenses. Consider whether you need to make adjustments so you can manage cash flow. Examples:
- Factor in the funds needed to service your air conditioning and summer equipment.
- Plan for money needed for inventory or equipment purchases for summer.
And look at your personal budget for your own summer vacation!
Final thought
“Summertime is always the best of what might be.” – Charles Bowden, non-fiction writer
Make the most of the summer months. Take advantage of longer daylight hours—for your business and yourself—and enjoy.
To read more about planning for the summer months, see this list of blogs.
