Managing summer peak season work orders without the headaches

Summer may be a high season for business, but it’s also a high-stress time for facility teams. Rising temperatures, heavier foot traffic, and extended operating hours put added pressure on everything from HVAC systems to exterior maintenance. At the same time, the number of work orders typically spikes, leaving teams scrambling to manage volume, coordinate vendors, and maintain service quality across multiple locations

Staying ahead of these seasonal challenges requires more than just extra hands. It calls for smarter processes, better visibility, and a reliable way to manage service demand at scale. Here’s how to stay proactive and efficient during summer’s peak – with fewer fire drills and more control.  

1. Beat the Heat with Faster Response Times

When an HVAC unit fails in the middle of July, response time is everything. Summer weather increases the urgency of issues like cooling system malfunctions, restroom sanitation, and general wear-and-tear. Teams with access to 24/7 dispatch, pre-vetted vendors, and a single source of truth can triage requests quickly and minimize downtime – keeping both employees and customers comfortable.

2. Keep Exterior Spaces On-Brand and On Point

Summer puts exterior areas under a spotlight. From faded signage and cracked pavement to overgrown grass or shrubbery, minor issues can quickly become liabilities or eyesores. High temperatures and increase outdoor activity accelerate wear on parking lots, walkways, and landscaping. Addressing these issues isn’t just about aesthetics, it’s about maintaining safe, accessible, and functional spaces for employees, customers, and vendors. Whether it’s power sweeping, irrigation upkeep, or pressure washing, a seasonal plan for exterior maintenance helps prevent hazards, protect your brand reputation, and ensures your facilities are operating at full potential when traffic is at its highest.

3. Streamline the Surge in Work Orders

When seasonal demand ramps up, so does the volume of service tickets, often across dozens or hundreds of sites. Without a clear system for intake, prioritization, and follow-through, service tickets pile up and visibility suffers. Centralized work order management helps simplify coordination and keeps facilities teams focused on what matters – solving issues efficiently and reducing repeat problems.  

4. Get Ahead of Seasonal Preventative Maintenance

Don’t wait for heat-related breakdowns. Summer is the time to proactively inspect and service high-use systems like HVAC, irrigation, and refrigeration units. A coordinate preventative maintenance program reduces emergency calls, controls costs, and extends the life of critical assets.  

5. Use Data to Stay Ahead of the Next Summer Surge

With every summer season comes an opportunity to optimize. By capturing data across your portfolio, you can identify which sites have recurring summer maintenance issues, compare vendor performance regionally, and improve budgeting for next year’s peak season.  

Summer’s Not Slowing Down – But You Can Stay Ahead

A reactive, location-by-location approach to facility services won’t cut it during peak season. With the right tools and support, your team can stay in control. Lessen helps multi-site operators manage peak season demands more effectively, with scalable solutions for janitorial, exterior maintenance, HVAC, and more. All through one platform, with the support of a trusted service network.  

Let’s talk about how to get ahead of summer before it gets ahead of you

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