High morale in the workplace is critical to a company’s success. It is necessary in order for employees to be productive, exceed expectations, and stick around for the long haul. Without it, the company will surely suffer. In fact, studies show that disengaged employees cost U.S. businesses nearly $550 billion every year! That’s why it is worth doing everything in your power to create an inviting workplace where employees can thrive. Here are a few strategies for boosting morale in your workplace.
1. Promote a Healthy Work-Life Balance
This is perhaps the single most important thing companies can do to boost morale. Late nights in the office, middle of the night emails, and working on weekends does not equal higher productivity. All that does is lead to employee burnout. Instead, let your employees know that you value their personal lives as much as their professional ones. Implement a policy where no one can conduct work emails during non-work hours. Encourage employees to take time off to relax and recharge. Allow employees to attend family events, school functions for their kids, or take care of their sick children. Foster a culture where commitment and hard work is appreciated, in addition to a healthy work-life balance.
2. Allow for Flexible Schedules
Do you have an employee who needs to pick their kids up from school? Do you have another employee who’s aging parent needs help getting to and from doctors appointments? Perhaps you have an employee who lives 30 minutes away from the office and doesn’t want to fight rush hour traffic during peak hours? Whatever the case, try to accommodate your employee’s needs and schedules as best you can. You might allow for remote working or allow certain employees to come and go at different times of the day that best suit their schedule. Remember that your employees have families, friends, and personal obligations of their own outside of work. Flexible schedules are a great way to accommodate their needs and keep their morale high.
3. Praise Your Employees Often
Never underestimate the power of a pat on the back. Even though your employees are paid to do their jobs, that doesn’t mean you should take their hard work for granted. Recognize their efforts and let them know you appreciate them. After all, your employees are your most valuable asset so you want to praise them on a regular basis.
4. Encourage Communication
Communication is key in any relationship, including a professional one. Have regular meetings with your team where you can talk about happenings in the company as well as any issues or concerns. Encourage employees to speak up and share their ideas with the group. Go a step beyond and implement an open-door policy where employees are encouraged to come in and talk to you anytime. Finally, hold regular one-on-one meetings to provide helpful feedback and answer any questions.
5. Schedule Team-Building Activities
Employees who know each other well are more likely to collaborate and communicate with one another. Therefore, give your employees a chance to socialize and have fun with their colleagues outside of the office. Schedule fun activities such as lunchtime trivia, outdoor picnic, potluck, or monthly happy hours where family members are also invited. These fun activities give employees a chance to interact with each other outside of work so they can get to know one another on a more personal level.
6. Incentivize and Reward Hard Work
Let you employees know that hard work really does pay off. This can mean anything from setting up employee appreciation programs to offer rewards for hitting certain metrics or offering bonuses and pay raises to those who have exceeded expectations. You may even offer an extra day off, a gift certificate, or a free membership as a form of reward. The fact is, employees are motivated by rewards and incentives and it is a great way to boost morale.