How Your Company’s Morale Can Benefit from a Big Boost

by Contributing Author

Working day in and day out at the same job, in the same office, in the same cubicle, on the same old projects can not only get boring at best, at worst it can be downright demoralizing. But what you might be craving is not a change in scenery or workload necessarily, but perhaps a little recognition for your efforts from your superiors. Certainly, you’re looking for a platform to vent your concerns over the workplace and the job itself.

Says a recent article from American Express, when it comes to the all-important task boosting employee morale, some company execs and higher-ups simply “don’t get it.” And yet, there are quite a few very basic, but at the same time, very powerful techniques you can utilize to get an immediate boost in both employee drive and self-confidence.

No matter how down your support staff seems, using these simple techniques are said to guarantee a positive and noticeable change in employee mood and optimism. This boost in morale will not only make your firm a better place to work, it will be beneficial to your bottom line.

Initiate a Daily Huddle

Says American Express, when employees are lacking in enthusiasm and drive, keeping the office quiet only seems to fester the wound. But, but initiating a system of daily “mini-meetings” where you open up about the actions, methods, goals, and progress you are making as a team, you will begin to lift your employee’s spirits.

You can accomplish this by installing some standing desks and having a daily huddle. This will initiate a natural burst of energy from your employees while they not only express their individual ideas, but they will have a chance to communicate whatever is on their mind regarding employee conditions, and/or ideas for moving the company forward. Add in coffee and pastries, and your daily huddle will encourage workers show up early for work, for a change.

Schedule Switch Ups

If the recent COVID-19 pandemic has taught us one thing, it’s that people who are caught up in a rut, are unhealthy people. Because you were forced to stay home and only go out for necessities, you might not only have gotten lazy and put on weight, but you might have become depressed and pessimistic about the immediate future.

Simply said, when employees are caught in a rut, you as an employer and/or company superior, need to find a way to break up the routine. For instance, you might offer those under you the chance to start late on a Monday morning so they can resolve any personal issues left over from the weekend. This allows workers to know they are appreciated as human beings and in turn, they will be more focused on their work.

Keep in Mind the “Why” Behind the Job

American Express states that the tax collector’s office personnel are about as excited over collecting taxes as you are paying them. But if employees are constantly reminded that the funds they are required to collect by law are used to protect citizens via the military, improve infrastructure, enhance children’s education, and so much more, it can help boost morale.

It’s important for your business, no matter what it is, to remind employees of why they are doing a task, rather then always telling them how and when to do it. Talking about the why gives the job more meaning and importance.

Remember to Say Thank You in a Tangible Way

It’s one thing to receive a subtle nod from your superior for a job well done. But it’s an even better thing to get an actual “thank you.” That said, if you truly wish to boost morale and enthusiasm in your employees, then schedule an annual, bi-annual, or even a monthly awards ceremony for “best employee,” or “best team effort,” or “salesperson of the month,” or anything that applies to your business model.

Make sure you just don’t give out a cheap paper certificate for the award winner or winners, but instead make the investment in awards companies. You might even sponsor an annual gala awards ceremony where employees come dressed to the nines in gowns and tuxedos. Specially engraved crystal awards will be presented much like the Oscars in Hollywood.

Who wouldn’t want to work at a firm that offers the chance for that kind of everlasting recognition?

Let Your Employees vent

It’s a given that employees require venting prior to accepting change within the organization. As an owner or owner’s rep, you’ll want to meet with your employees regularly on an individual basis or, as mentioned earlier, in small groups to give them a chance to express all the challenges that face them not only on a daily basis, but on a monthly, and even annual basis also.

This open communication will be an instant morale boost and help workers be more productive. More productive workers means a bigger bottom line that will benefit everyone, especially when it comes time to distribute that always cherished Christmas bonus.