Every business has slow periods. Some measure it in days, others in weeks. June is the slowest month for many catalog and ecommerce companies. The dwindling sales reduce calls, packages, and productivity. The company becomes lethargic and employees become nonchalant. This year, try something different. Utilize the down time to recharge and revitalize your organization.  Here are some tips for maximizing downtime:

• Encourage employees to take vacation days during slow periods. It lessens the impact of their absence. Offer unpaid leave for employees that want to spend additional time with their family. This is especially beneficial to working mothers when the slow period coincides with school vacation time.

• Schedule intensive training days. This is the best time to plan training in all areas. Be sure to include departmental cross training and refreshment training in the schedule.  

• Clean house. Now is the time to unclutter, reorganize and create an efficient work environment. This should be company wide and required participation from every employee. Countless hours of productivity are lost searching for product or information. The housekeeping should extend from the visible (desks, aisles, shelves) to the hidden (computers, closets, drawers).

• Contact customers. Call your customers to find out what they like and dislike about your company and service. Schedule time to discuss what you learn with your team.

• Get ready for the peak time. Develop and implement an initiative or two. Identify the areas that need the most improvement and find the solution.

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