Why Should Companies Use the Quiet Months for Planning and Digital Transformation?

I am writing this article during my summer vacation, where the idea for this piece was born.
  Summer is a time when most of us take a longer break or at least an extended weekend. A study published in the Journal of Happiness Studies has shown that a vacation should last at least 8 to 14 days. For a complete disconnect, it is recommended to take even more time off. Personally, I think that after a prolonged vacation, it's hard to get back into the previous work rhythm. This happened to me years ago in Thailand when I relaxed to the point that I had real trouble getting back to “work temperature.”

During rest, our health and well-being quickly improve. In the first part of the vacation, it is definitely difficult to immediately "turn off" the brain, at least for me. Many of us also use this time for strategic thinking and rough preparations for the fall when we are supposed to make plans for the next year. Due to school holidays, the summer vacation period is stretched over 2 months. This means that the pace in companies slows down, especially concerning various projects, plans, and their realization.

Opportunity in Summer

When work slows down a bit during the summer months, numerous opportunities arise to think about the future, review the achievements of the first half of the year, and assess business performance. This period also allows for planning various potential projects that would otherwise not come to the fore, especially in companies without a strategic management department. For SMEs (small and medium-sized enterprises), in my opinion, this strategic summer thinking is crucial. This period offers a rare opportunity for a pause and reflection. It is a time to assess what worked, what didn’t, and what needs to change. This strategic pause can lead to more thoughtful decisions and better preparation for the challenges and opportunities in the coming year.

Why Summer?

Besides the reasons already mentioned, there is virtually no other suitable period. For the most part, we start the new calendar year by wrapping up the previous year. This is followed by the preparation of the annual balance sheet and, of course, the fulfillment of monthly plans for the set annual goal. There are always unwanted obstacles (Murphy's law), as well as various ideas on how to improve the business. There are many of these, so our heads quickly become cluttered with various things. Before we know it, summer is here along with the previously mentioned vacations.

Autumn is when planning for the next year is due. This applies at least to medium and large companies. How much we need to "step on the gas" in the second half of the year depends on the first half. The last two to three months of the year are, in my opinion, the most strenuous time. The work rhythm is usually the highest then. During this period, companies focus on finalizing/meeting annual plans/goals and realizing various projects. Adjustments to plans for the next year are also made, and personal obligations before Christmas and New Year are fulfilled. In short, it's a busy period during which we often wait for the time be

Digital Transformation

For several years now, I have observed that many projects are outlined precisely in the summer. When work operations are slightly lower, planning is easier. On the other hand, I would say that many people think as follows: “Why not at least start the project before the annual vacation? That way, I will go on vacation in peace, and when I return in 14 days, a lot will already be done. Consequently, I will find it easier to monitor and manage the project that needs to be completed by the end of the year.” Perhaps written a bit humorously, but that's how it is.

Personally, I would suggest a slightly different approach. If it is a larger project, it certainly needs to be planned, so summer is a great time for thorough reflection. Autumnis the period for concrete plans. If the annual budget allows, we can already start the project’s realization, otherwise, we plan it for the following year.

Digital transformation is a complex process that usually takes between one and two years, at least according to my experience. You might say, “Ah, one to two years, no way. It can be done faster.”

Two Years?

Unfortunately, it is so. From the beginning of the idea to implementation, according to our experience, it never takes less than a year. And two years? The process usually goes like this. First, someone hears that digitalization might be a great thing, but due to ongoing obligations, it remains just that. A bit due to fear too—changes again, how will the other employees accept them?

People generally do not like changes and make them only when it “hurts” enough. Only then are we ready for novelties. A slow analysis follows, concluding that yes, this would indeed be good to have... Then it is necessary to find time for planning, but when? The idea and project must, of course, be approved by the management. Leaders are usually busy, so half a year quickly passes...

We Can Do It Ourselves...

I believe that you have now already changed your mind and have recalled many examples when this was indeed the case. Many people then often start developing digital innovations on their own. Of course. Why pay for something you can do yourself? The first answer is often, “Uh, that's expensive,” but over time, these people realize that self- development is even more expensive. Furthermore, it is interesting that rarely anyone admits they were wrong and often opts for a similar, competitive solution. Why? Because it is in human nature to find it hard to admit our mistakes.

And what does one to two years mean for a company? Mainly a missed train. Digitalization truly enters all aspects of our lives and businesses. Nevertheless, many instead of boarding the train of change prefer to stick with current solutions, complaining about how great it would be to make a change. All too often, the conclusion is “but everything is okay as it is.”

In such companies, they continue to work manually and spend more time on tasks that could be digitalized and automated, thus saving time or using it for other purposes.

The Perfect Time to Start

So if your company is considering digital transformation of at least part of its operations, the summer months are the perfect time to start. Summer allows you to lay the foundations without the pressure of year-end and other obligations. By the time more demanding months follow, you will at least have a developed idea and a clear desire, maybe even solid foundations for starting the project. This will save you quite a bit of time and a lot of stress.

Take advantage of the slower summer pace. Use this time wisely. For strategic thinking and the beginning of your digital transformation. Your future will thank you. I wish you a pleasant vacation.

Jurij Triller