How to Improve Workplace Morale
Low morale can be infectious and it only takes one employee to poison an entire office. If left unchecked it can actually cripple a company, regardless of its size. To help you accomplish a more positive attitude among your staff, we’ve put together some pro-active steps on how to drive morale and performance, to ensure low morale doesn’t become a company-wide issue.
1. The first, and most important step begins with the employer.
You need to appreciate the value of your employees. Many employers have the attitude that their staff are commonplace and easily replaceable. This may be true to a certain extent, but finding new employees will always be an expense to your business. You have to acknowledge that you hired your employees with good reason and that every individual staff member is valuable to your business. Why lose them?
2. Regularly recognise people for a job well done.
Recognition is one of the best ways to stimulate your employees to take the actions you want them to take. The more people hear how they are having a positive impact, the more they will want to do it again and again. Also note that recognition should not be something you do only once in a while. The key to truly motivating your staff is recognising the good they do on a regular basis.
3. Encourage peer-to-peer recognition.
In addition to employee recognition, companies must also encourage their staff to recognize their fellow employees. Think about it, people you work with have a large impact on your self-esteem and ability to succeed, these are people you are seeing on a day-to-day basis. Promote a positive work environment by encouraging your workers to support each other.
4. Pay and train your employees well.
It may be tempting to cut labour costs when you’re trying to increase profits or reduce expenses, but doing this can cause your operations to suffer. Remember that helping customers requires significant effort and judgment; not paying your staff well could discourage them from exerting themselves fully.
5. Empower your staff with better tools.
Invest in up-to-date, well-functioning tools and equipment. This not only empowers your staff but also increases productivity and helps them do their jobs well. In addition, providing your employees with excellent working facilities or benefits is a way of attracting staff and maintaining workplace morale. For example in retail, this may be providing a staff room where your staff can relax or in an office environment, offering benefits such as discounted gym memberships.
