High engagement ratings are consistent with a productive workforce. A Gallup survey revealed that a highly engaged workforce is 21 percent more profitable and 17 percent more productive than disengaged staff. It’s clear that engaged employees frequently outperform their peers. While employee engagement is rising in the United States and Canada, it’s only slightly.
Nearly 70 percent of employees aren’t engaged or are actively disengaged, with lack of leadership being a prime candidate for these numbers. And this makes sense, as good leadership is needed to establish company culture. The right leaders can drastically increase morale in the workplace.
But how exactly can they accomplish this? In this guide, we’ll look at 10 ways companies can increase employee morale. This, in turn, will improve a company’s PR and reputation.
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10 morale boosting methods and why they work
If you’re stumped on how to boost morale in your organization, we’re here to help. However, keep in mind that boosting morale requires consistency, awareness, and a lot of feedback.
1. Openly and regularly communicate
The importance of open and regular communication cannot be overstated in any business. Employees value transparency and clarity, which can be achieved through consistent updates about company milestones, expectation-setting, or addressing concerns promptly.
Regular meetings, emails, or check-ins serve a dual purpose: keeping everyone on the same page and making team members feel heard. Communication bridges gaps between different levels in an organization and breeds a culture of inclusivity, reinforcing a sense of belonging.
2. Reward your employees
Recognizing your employees’ efforts matters. It shows appreciation and builds a healthy work atmosphere. And one way to do this is by giving rewards. For instance, you can offer years of service gifts, a token towards every year your staff member commits to your company.
This creates a sense of value and trust in the workplace. Rewards encourage workers to move beyond their usual tasks, positively affecting their morale and productivity. But for these rewards to mean something, they have to be timely, personalized, and frequent to show a precedent.
3. Gather employee feedback
Gathering employee feedback is a proactive step in bolstering morale and fostering a constructive work environment. This method works by giving all members of your team a voice, acknowledging their experience and ideas, and revealing areas for improvement.
Tools such as surveys or suggestion boxes can capture perceptions across your organization. More importantly, be sure to act on the feedback received, as this conveys to your employees that you take their input seriously, which in turn reaffirms their value within the team.
4. Invest in employee growth
By offering courses, workshops, or mentoring programs, you communicate that you see potential in your team and are willing to nurture it. This not only helps individuals to upskill and grow professionally, but it also enhances their personal confidence outside of their job role.
If we consider the message this sends, that you prize long-term development, it becomes clear why this strategy yields such profound benefits. Developing your team members’ abilities strengthens the collective capacity of your business and cultivates committed employees.
5. Create a healthy work culture
Creating a healthy work culture means cultivating an environment that values respect, collaboration, and openness at all levels of your organization. A positive workplace culture not only decreases stress and conflict but also increases productivity and loyalty to the company.
When looking at the effects of such aspects as work-life balance, diversity, inclusivity, and mutual respect, it’s clear why fostering a thriving culture can lead to improved morale. After all, employees who feel comfortable, valued, and integrated are more likely to feel motivated.
6. Hire and train good managers
Hiring and training effective managers can play a significant role in all aspects of your business. Good managers direct projects and nurture their team’s talents, address concerns, and motivate performance. They create an environment of trust where each team member feels recognized.
Additionally, they consistently communicate, provide timely feedback, and promote fairness within the team. A skilled manager can inspire their team to reach beyond their potential and contribute meaningfully to the bigger picture. Ideally, you’ll want a leader, not a manager.
7. Organize team-building activities
Team-building activities offer opportunities for employees to interact socially, collaborate, and deepen their relationships outside the formal work context. This goes a long way in creating harmonious team dynamics that foster productive collaborations and reduce conflicts.
Activities could be as simple as coffee breaks, thematic lunches, or organized outings. These seemingly informal interactions often help break barriers and encourage open communication among teammates, leading to enhanced cooperation during work and team assignments.
8. Promote workplace diversity
A diverse workplace that values and respects individuals’ unique experiences and perspectives fosters a culture of inclusivity. Employees feel accepted, leading to an environment where innovation and ideas thrive. Diversity is even important for attracting independent contractors.
If we consider the sheer wealth of perspectives diverse groups bring, it’s evident why this method strengthens morale. Employees who feel respected for their uniqueness rather than feeling marginalized naturally contribute more freely and energetically to their roles.
9. Buy some oxygen-boosting plants
Beyond their obvious aesthetic appeal, these plants improve air quality, create a calming atmosphere, and may even reduce stress levels. From a psychological perspective, having greenery around the office can contribute to an overall feeling of well-being and positivity.
Additionally, the presence of plants speaks volumes about your commitment to creating a pleasant workspace for your employees. When you consider the mental health and productivity boosts, it’s clear why this low-cost initiative can contribute to improved workplace morale.
10. Encourage regular breaks
Encouraging regular breaks is advice that goes unheeded. When employees get time to rest, they’re better able to focus and maintain their productivity throughout the day. Breaks can also reduce stress and prevent burnout by giving individuals a chance to relax and recharge.
By valuing your workforce’s mental health as much as their contribution, you convey a level of care for their wellbeing. Moreover, promoting periods of rest can lead to better decision-making and problem-solving skills, two qualities intrinsically linked with more compelling performances.
In conclusion…
Boosting morale is a continuous effort, but employing these strategies will undoubtedly steer your team in a positive direction. Empowered and motivated employees are the greatest asset any organization could have. Begin implementing these methods and see your team shine.
