So school’s out and vacation schedules might mean the office looks as empty as the school hallways at times, but summer time can be a very important and productive time at work! Seriously, it can be.

I’ve been thinking about ways to help stay engaged, and made a list to share with you:

• Take stock of where you’re at mid-year against where you wanted to be
• Define your plans to reach those goals
• Get caught up on small projects that fell through the cracks during your busiest times
• Come up with new ideas to create efficiency in your processes and day to day activities
• Brainstorm with colleagues about big picture ideas that could help take business to the next level, prioritize based on level of value and resources required, then assign leaders to spearhead each new initiative in the second half of the year
• Enjoy the down time and the outdoors – take walks on your breaks, have lunch with friends on a patio so that your time at work is not simply spent under fluorescent lighting!
• Use these months for some professional development. Many local and national organizations have their events in the summer months. Or start planning ahead so you have budget to go to the national SHRM or ASTD conference in 2010.
• Start to dabble in social networks if you haven’t already! They can be a great way to make new connections, assist in recruiting efforts, and learn more about the profession from your peers. Take a look at what you could be doing with LinkedIn, Twitter and other social networks, and find out what may work for your organization.

By the time September rolls around you’ll feel rejuvenated and well prepared to meet the fall and winter challenges and opportunities head on! What would you add to the list? Post your comments below.