Supporting Managers During Summer Holiday Staff Shortages
Summer holidays can put extra pressure on businesses. With employees taking annual leave, teams may become stretched, workloads increase, and gaps appear in day-to-day operations.
Two colleagues working together, reflecting the importance of supporting managers during busy holiday periods.
Often, it is managers who absorb this pressure. They step in to cover tasks, support remaining staff, manage customer expectations, and keep things moving. While this may be part of leadership, it can quickly become overwhelming without the right support.
Why Managers Feel the Pressure
During holiday periods, managers may be expected to maintain normal service levels with fewer people available. This can lead to:
- Longer working hours
- Increased stress
- Less time to support their teams
- More firefighting and fewer strategic decisions
- Greater risk of burnout
Managers often feel they need to “just get on with it,” but carrying too much pressure for too long can affect both their wellbeing and team performance.
How to Support Managers Covering Gaps
- Plan Holiday Cover Early
Encourage teams to book leave in advance where possible and review holiday patterns early. Clear planning helps managers understand where gaps may appear and what cover is needed.
- Set Realistic Priorities
Not everything can be business as usual when staffing levels are reduced. Senior leaders should work with managers to identify essential tasks, pause non-urgent work, and adjust deadlines where needed.
- Encourage Open Communication
Managers should feel able to raise concerns, ask for support, or say when capacity is limited. Creating a culture where managers can be honest about workload helps prevent burnout.
- Offer Temporary Support
Where possible, provide extra help through temporary staff, cross-team support, adjusted rotas, or senior leaders stepping in. Even short-term support can make a big difference.
- Check In with Managers
Managers often check in with their teams, but they need check-ins too. Regular conversations can help identify pressure points early and show managers that their wellbeing matters.
- Recognise Their Effort
A simple thank you or acknowledgement can go a long way. Managers who feel seen and appreciated are more likely to stay motivated during challenging periods.
Supporting Managers Supports the Whole Team
When managers are supported, they are better able to lead effectively, make clear decisions, and keep teams calm and focused.
Summer holiday gaps are often unavoidable, but manager burnout is not. By planning ahead, setting realistic expectations, and offering practical support, businesses can protect both their managers and their wider teams.
Managers help keep everything running during summer, but they should not have to carry the pressure alone.