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
With temperatures having reached 34 degrees in some parts of the UK this week, 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 challenge 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%
Increased heat levels can lead to a negative shift in mood, bringing 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.
The summer season can also be a stressful period due to the burden of 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.
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.
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.
“A heatwave makes you tired really easily, so it’s hardly a surprise that 51 per cent struggle to motivate themselves at work. Even just commuting to work can be difficult. We also found that 58 per cent would rather work from home during a heatwave, and it’s easy to see why.
“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.
“However, it’s also important to remember that summer should be an enjoyable time, too. We don’t get many nice days in the UK, and, truth be told, we can understand why 29 per cent said they’re more likely to pull a sickie during summer. A social or two might not hurt – 44 per cent actually enjoy socialising with their colleagues, and a happy workplace is a happy business.
‘They might also appreciate being put at ease before their summer break. 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.”
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.
