Boost employee morale; One idea that seems to always be overlooked
I get asked all the time for ideas on how to boost morale. I offer my suggestions and some simple ideas. I refer people to websites where they can find other ideas. Heck, I even wrote an eBook (years ago) 50 Ways To Have Fun at Work, Improve Employee Morale and Hopefully Not Get Fired. Want it for free? Just send me an email by April 1, 2011 (no joking).
But at the end of the day these ideas are nothing but band-aids. The most important way to improve morale is always overlooked. It doesn’t get mentioned. And it’s a pretty simple idea………….
Get rid of that which is killing morale.
It’s not always the economy or competition or regulations that kill morale. Too often it is people; in many cases one person. It’s the manager who says his or her people aren’t playing like a team. It’s the manager who seems to have high absenteeism in his or her department. It’s the manager who is always recruiting because turnover is high. It’s the manager who can’t get their staff to give 100%; to go the extra mile.
It’s also the manager who seems to always meet his or her goals; the manager who has been with you for twenty years and you feel an obligation. While this person might be meeting the numbers, what’s the cost of absenteeism, recruiting and a disengaged workforce?
Unfortunately staff are afraid to break the chain of command and go above this person in most cases. Further complicated is the morale killer’s boss is often out of touch with the staff, busy, doesn’t make themselves available; or perhaps doesn’t want to hear what is really going on.
Offering rewards, recognizing people, incorporating fun, and encouraging communication are all great ideas; removing that which is killing morale is a better place to start. Don’t you agree?
Do that and then you can initiate a morale program that includes rewards, recognition, etc; one that will have more meaning. Let me know if I can help.
