87% of finance leaders say the summer slowdown has a negative impact on their business, according to new research from recruitment business Robert Half UK.

Meanwhile, 13% per cent of finance leaders said that the summer slowdown would not have any negative impact on their business.

The biggest impact is caused by annual leave (48%), with senior leaders attributing it to ‘less managerial direction’ for the team, with multiple senior leaders away from the office on holiday (35%) and lost productivity (13%). While 25% say that commercial activity will slow down, a further 14% say that their workforce is less motivated during the summer months.

Phil Sheridan, UK managing director of Robert Half, said: “Although it can feel that business never stops, the summer months bring a great opportunity for UK workers to take a break, unwind and recharge their batteries. In the long run, businesses and employees benefit greatly from making the most of the summer slowdown as individuals who take regular breaks are known to be more motivated, have higher morale and are more productive on their return to work.

“Although it is clear that the majority of companies across the UK are impacted by the seasonal slowdown, with some advance planning the negative affect to businesses of employees taking their summer breaks can be alleviated. Many businesses looking to maintain productivity levels over the summer months are turning to temporary and interim professionals to help manage workloads and keep critical projects on track.”