The biggest trap to fall into is to consider teams of employees as an abstract concept. They’re actually living, breathing organisms made up of people. That means they need to be valued, respected, and motivated.
Boosting staff morale is good for business. That means better profits. It’s a no-brainer. The question is how do you create a happy crew?
Preventing low morale at work does not come easy. There are though a few simple steps to take that can help to stamp it out for good. Here are eight proven ways that will increase positivity and boost team spirit.
1. Empowerment through Appreciation
If employees are recognized for exceptional performance, you’ll keep them motivated. Appreciation breeds empowerment. That means people are likely to contribute more to the company.
People need to understand what’s in it for them. If they know they’re going to get rewarded for going the extra mile, then that is going to reinforce a sense of being valued.
Learning how to reward employees is the next step. This could range from saying a simple but genuine ‘thank you,’ to something more formal. That could be a special perk, regular appraisal, cash benefit or public recognition.
It should be a golden rule that employees are always thanked when they leave for the day. It might seem a minor thing but it actually matters that people end their working day feeling appreciated.
2. Having Fun at the Office
“All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy.” How true. Injecting a bit of fun into the office can actually improve productivity. Recreational activities in a lounge area can help build camaraderie.
Stepping away from the office area also allows time to reflect. It’s a chance to catch up on one’s thoughts when working in a busy environment. This can allow employees to be more focused when they return to their desks.
Holding fun corporate events occasionally is also a great way for people to step away from their comfort zone and get to know each better. Just planning them can be a great team building exercise.
3. Avoid Low Morale at Work by Listening
If people are being listened to, it means they feel that their opinion matters. A manager’s doors should always be open. This allows for feedback, ideas, and suggestions to be collected and valued.
Good communication is essential for any office, no matter how big or small. Giving employees the tools they need to achieve better ways to exchange information is part of the process.
There are systems out there that can really help here. Training Amigo, for example, is a digital hub that places the emphasis on employees and administrators. The services it provides can save time, energy and money.
4. Make Time for Personal Projects
Getting stuck into a personal project can be really stimulating for employees. It breaks the routine, preventing it from becoming stale. It also allows people to pursue things they are passionate about.
Setting aside a few hours a week to incorporate a personal project can be a great investment. If the project has to be related to the business, it can throw up all sorts of new ideas and ventures. It’s an energizing way to get people to be creative.
5. Encourage Professional Development
Good Managers should create opportunities for employees to grow. That means allowing them to grow professionally and have a career path. If people can see an upward route to more responsibility and have goals to reach, they’ll feel valued.
Online courses are great for inspiring employees. If employees feel that you think they’re worth investing in, it boosts morale. That’s going to pay off in the passion they’ll show and in increased confidence.
6. Focus on Skills and Abilities
If employees are allowed to do the work they feel best at then they’ll feel more driven. It’s important to hone on the particular skills and talent each employee has and make use of them. Specializing is a good thing.
The focus should be on allowing employees to do what they excel at. Understanding what the main abilities of all employees are will be key. Allowing the freedom to develop these skills even further creates better morale.
7. Shake Things Up a Bit
A change is as good as rest, they say. Nothing is more refreshing than doing something different from the normal routine. It’s a really good way to lift team spirit and it helps to stop things from getting scale.
Instead of holding the daily meeting in the usual place, try switching location. If it’s possible, you can even go off-site to a cafe or restaurant. If you always hold the same meetings in the same place, they can start feeling part of the daily grind.
Tear up the rule book, and reorganize lunch schedules. Invest in some new seating for use during rest periods. Anything that breaks the cycle of an everyday normal routine can have a very positive effect on the spirits of the team.
8. Promotion From Within
If your company does all the hiring, then you should try whenever possible to promote from within. When companies start always hiring from outside then it will have a negative impact on morale.
Employees who are continually passed over for promotion will begin to demoralize. What is the point, they will think?
You may find people who are better qualified and with better experience from outside. Try to bridge the gap by offering extra training to someone who’s already employed at the company. It could be one of the best investments you make.
The Best Ways to Boost Morale
Employees need nurturing. They need to feel valued and that their job offers something more than just financial reward. Low morale at work can creep in unexpectedly so it’s always an issue to keep an eye on.
Read here to boost your leadership skills. It’s the path to follow if you want to maintain great employee morale.
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