How to keep board work alive this summer - without stress
Summer is a long-awaited break - but board responsibilities rarely take a vacation.
Many organizations find that the commitment and structure of board work falters during the summer months. Holidays, travel and reduced availability can lead to important decisions being postponed, deadlines being missed and communication suffering.
But it doesn't have to be that way. With the right tools and a few simple practices, you can keep the work of your board going - without anyone sacrificing their time off.
Here are our top tips - backed by research and proven experience.
🧠 1. Plan for summer's low activity level - already in May/June
Research shows that forward planning reduces stress and conflict in boardrooms (Kouzes & Posner, The Leadership Challenge).
Create a clear overview:
- Which ones are available when?
- Which decisions or agreements require follow-up during the summer?
- Can something be delegated to a working group or digitally managed?
A shared digital calendar and responsibility list works wonders.
🗂️ 2. Digitize work - free up time and simplify
A report by Deloitte (2022) shows that organizations with digital tools for board work are 45% more efficient in their decision-making process.
By using a digital tool for example:
- E-signing
- Meeting templates
- Document management
- Decision log
... you will avoid many of the administrative bottlenecks of the summer.
🧩 3. Stay connected - but with low thresholds
According to a survey of non-profit boards (Association Resource, 2023), 63% reported that poor communication during the summer caused misunderstandings or delays.
💡 Tips:
- Put a short video briefing in the middle of summer (15 min is enough!)
- Use a chat channel for easy reconciliations
- Avoid long email threads - keep it short and clear
🪴 4. Accept a slower pace - but keep the rhythm going
Board work during the summer is not about pushing for big decisions - but about not losing structure completely. A dormant but not slumbering Board is ready for the fall.
Think about it:
- Minimize, but don't let go
- Summarize on an ongoing basis what will be addressed in August
- Document small decisions right away - while they are fresh
🧭 5. Have a common tool that everyone can reach - regardless of location
When everyone is in different places, a system is needed there:
- Documents are stored centrally
- Minutes and decisions are logged
- The board can act quickly when needed
This is where digital board portals make a difference.
💡 Reduca - making it easy to keep your board together this summer
With Reduca Board Portal you get:
- E-signing, video meetings and decision log
- Smart document management and communication
- A free summer period until August 31
