Staffing Tips for a Vacation-Heavy Season
Summer brings longer days, sunny skies, and one big challenge for employers: vacation season. When half your team is dreaming of sandy beaches—or already on them—it can be tough to keep projects on track and workloads balanced.
But managing PTO doesn’t have to feel like a game of calendar Jenga. With a proactive strategy and the right staffing support, you can keep your team covered and your productivity strong all summer long.
Why Summer PTO Creates Scheduling Stress
Summer is the peak vacation season. From Memorial Day through Labor Day, employees are more likely to use their PTO for family trips, weddings, and well-deserved breaks. That’s great for morale—but potentially tough on business if it leads to:
- Overlapping absences
- Slower workflows and missed deadlines
- Burnout for team members picking up the slack
- Gaps in coverage, especially in client-facing roles
The good news? Most of these issues are preventable with a few smart moves.
Plan Early, Plan Smart
Encourage your team to submit vacation requests as early as possible. Clear communication and visibility go a long way in preventing last-minute scrambles. Try:
- A shared time-off calendar visible to managers and employees
- PTO policies that limit how many team members can be off at once
- Deadlines for summer PTO submissions to aid in planning
Bonus tip: Consider offering an incentive (like a small gift card drawing) for those who get their vacation plans submitted early.
Cross-Train for Continuity
When one person’s out, someone else needs to step in. Cross-training employees ensures critical functions aren’t stalled just because one team member is out of the office. Even basic coverage training can make a big difference.
- Pair up employees for short “coverage swaps”
- Document key workflows so temporary coverage is easier
- Rotate tasks regularly so responsibilities aren’t siloed
This kind of flexibility doesn’t just help in summer—it strengthens your team year-round.
Bring in Temporary or Contract Talent
Seasonal gaps call for seasonal solutions. If you know certain weeks or departments will be short-staffed, consider augmenting your team with temporary professionals. Temporary staffing:
- Keeps operations running smoothly during high PTO periods
- Reduces pressure on your core team
- Lets you scale up without permanent commitments
From administrative support to light industrial roles, temporary workers can step in quickly and efficiently—especially when you’re working with a trusted staffing partner (that’s where we come in).
Watch for Burnout in the Office
For every team member vacationing, someone else is picking up the extra workload. That can lead to resentment or fatigue if not managed properly.
Here’s how to keep morale high:
- Distribute extra work fairly
- Recognize employees who step up during coverage gaps
- Encourage mini-breaks or summer perks (like early Fridays or iced coffee days)
A little appreciation goes a long way toward keeping your team engaged.
Final Thoughts: Stay Ahead of the Summer PTO Curve
Managing PTO doesn’t have to be chaotic. With early planning, cross-training, and on-demand staffing support, you can give your team the time off they deserve—without sacrificing your business goals.
Need coverage for summer vacations?
Vacations shouldn’t put your business on pause. We’ve got pre-vetted, job-ready talent who can step in and keep things moving. Connect with us to get the right talent – right when you need it.
