Over half of Brits struggle with workplace motivation during summer – An employee wellness report from Jukebox Marketing reveals that millions of UK employees find it difficult to concentrate at work during the hot summer weather
While millions of Brits start to enjoy longer and hotter days, workplace focus becomes more of a challenge, as over half of Brits begin to find motivation and concentration difficult.
According to Jukebox Marketing, a consumer PR agency, 51 per cent of workers find it more difficult to be motivated and concentrate on their work during hotter temperatures. This figure increases among 18 to 34-year-olds, with 57 per cent admitting to having a tough time working during the hotter months. Workers aged 35-54 appeared only slightly more motivated in summer, at 49 per cent.
Geographically, employees based in Norwich and Plymouth emerged as most affected by working during hotter periods, both at 64 per cent. And, although Scottish workers were found to struggle the least with motivation, at 44 per cent, working during summer was found to be a struggle for over 40 per cent of residents, whatever the region. Other results include:
Wales: 58% – Leeds: 57% – Sheffield: 56% – Bristol: 55% – Liverpool: 54% – Nottingham: 54% – Newcastle: 53% – London: 51% – Manchester: 49%
The report also found that nearly two thirds (65 per cent) of workers would appreciate an early Friday finish, believing it would boost their morale. The data additionally revealed that 31 per cent of workers expect their employers to reward them with a summer party.
The summer season, however, can also be a stressful period, with many Brits being burdened by financial difficulties, due to increased social activity. Following a 2024 study, it was reported that one in two Brits admitted to overspending during summer months. Due to the summer financial pressures, data from Jukebox Marketing also revealed that nearly three quarters (72 per cent) of UK employees would actually prefer a financial bonus instead of a summer party. Finances appear to be an issue for many workers all-year round, with the Jukebox Xmas Wellness Report finding that even more (78 per cent) would prefer a Christmas bonus over a festive gathering.
Negative shifts in mood are further exacerbated by higher heat levels, which can bring on a period of “summer slump,” which is characterised by low mood, fatigue, and a drop in motivation. These emotional swings appear to be further exacerbated with the rise of warm spells in the UK, which have more than doubled in length since the 1960s. In an effort to combat the heat, the report also found that 58 per cent of Brits prefer to work at home during a heatwave. Previous research also reveals that 31 per cent of UK employees actually skip work completely when a heatwave hits the country.
Managing Director of Jukebox Marketing Stephen Jury, an advocate for employee wellbeing, said that companies need to ensure that employees feel motivated if they wish to keep up productivity levels during sunnier periods.
“Uncomfortable heat can make you tired really easily, so it’s hardly a surprise that 51 per cent struggle to motivate themselves at work. Truth be told, a lot of people would like to be outside and enjoying the sun. Our data also found that 29 per cent are more likely to pull a sickie during summer, and it’s easy to see why.
“But, this doesn’t mean that summer isn’t also stressful for a lot of workers, either. It’s not just financial pressures that can be overwhelming, a summer break itself, while meant to be relaxing, can actually have an opposite effect. Sometimes, the post-holiday blues hits early, and Brits may worry about their workload before their break is over. In fact, our data found that this is the case for 41 per cent of employees.
“Ultimately, if you want to keep up productivity during summer, it’s up to you to create a relaxing environment where your employees feel at ease and motivated to work. If you know that your office gets particularly stuffy, let your employees work from home if they feel it would help. For those that are coming in, please make sure your aircon is turned on, allow regular breaks if needed, and don’t overload your staff. It’s important that they work smart, as well as hard.
“They also might appreciate a social or two. Even though nearly three quarters would prefer a bonus over a gathering, we found that 44 per cent still like socialising with their colleagues during summer. We don’t get many nice days in the UK, so let your employees make the most of it. A happy workplace is a happy business.”
To view the full report Click Here
Jukebox Marketing is a marketing communication agency based in Buckinghamshire. They specialise in running PR campaigns for online consumer businesses across property, automotive and finance sectors.
Launched by experienced marketer Stephen Jury (ex Emoov, Motors.co.uk and Plentific) in 2018, they have had clients including John Lewis, Angi, Gymbox, AnyVan, ChooseMyCar and many more.
Research conducted by Opinium for Jukebox Marketing via survey of 2,000 people in April 2026. Opinium is an award-winning strategic insight agency and has one of the biggest and most reputable survey panels in the UK.
