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A recent survey conducted by UMB’s Office of Communications and Public Affairs sheds light on how employees feel about summer and what they prioritize during those months.
In a recent survey, the University of Maryland, Baltimore (UMB) Office of Communications and Public Affairs polled employees to determine if faculty and staff feel like their workloads differ in the summer, if they look forward to summer — and, if so, why and what they do differently during the summer.
While some of the answers came as no surprise — most responders do look forward to a lighter workload and time with family and friends during the summer months — some responses were unexpected.
The survey captured 260 responses — 84 percent from staff and 16 percent from faculty. When asked which season was their favorite, very few people indicated winter. However, fall and summer were closely aligned as the favorite seasons (34 percent and 33 percent, respectively), while spring lagged just a short distance behind, garnering 26 percent of the votes. More than half of responders acknowledged that they “excitedly look forward to summer.”
Although the majority of those polled indicated that their workload is fairly consistent throughout the year — i.e., it is not calmer or busier between June and September — 45 percent said they tend to try to take off more in the summer. When asked if, during the summer months, they have the chance to “work in a different capacity” compared to the rest of the year, 13 percent replied that they “usually” do. Other responses were almost equally split between people who:
- already have a flexible work schedule (30 percent)
- sometimes are able to work remotely, can adjust their schedule, or modify their routine more in the summer (28 percent)
- are not usually able to work remotely, adjust their schedule, or modify their routine in the summer (29 percent)
Interestingly, responders who noted that they “feel that [they] have a more flexible work schedule during the summer than other times of the year” cited the biggest changes to their summer work routines include opportunities to work hybrid or remote and being able to prioritize taking at least a one-week vacation.
Responders also shared that summer experiences usually enhance their work-life balance and overall well-being. They keep busy doing many fun summer activities. The majority of people spend time:
- enjoying outdoor recreation such as walking, hiking, clamming, fishing, shelling, bird watching, bike riding, etc. (72 percent)
- engaging in “summer” social events such as picnics and barbecues (72 percent)
- vacationing (67 percent)
- participating in local “summertime” events (65 percent)
- visiting family (44 percent)
Other people, in lesser numbers:
- intentionally focus on wellness/well-being in ways such as participating in fitness activities/classes, honing in on nutrition, reading, doing yoga, meditating, implementing stress management techniques, etc. (28 percent)
- visit amusement parks (21 percent)
- visit museums (17 percent)
- engage in workshops and/or conferences or other professional development (15 percent)
- volunteer (10 percent)
Taking time to enjoy summer and warm-weather activities, whether alone or with friends and family, can greatly benefit one’s mindset and productivity. Taking time off during the summer allows employees to rest and recharge, helping to prevent burnout and maintain mental and physical health.
UMB hopes all readers are enjoying a restful summer filled with opportunities for rejuvenation! And employees are encouraged to visit the Current Employees page, where they can find more information about perks, benefits, tools, and resources to support their summer activities.