Increase morale at your office.
Whether you're an attorney, janitor or retail sales manager, you don't want to work in a hostile or stilted work environment. There are techniques you can use to improve morale and encourage employees to re-engage in the workplace. While you might not change your work environment overnight, you can implement three changes that will move you in the right direction.
Reward Good Behavior
Reward employees for quality work. A decrease in morale may be the result of despondency, boredom or feelings of inadequacy. Combat negative thinking with written positive feedback and incentive schemes such as gift certificates or paid vacation days. Spark the attention of the office by unveiling a companywide program to acknowledge those employees who demonstrate high productivity and performance. Offer tips for "make the list" and acknowledge the selected employees at monthly or bimonthly office meetings.
Elicit Feedback
Ask for feedback about morale and ways to improve it. Demonstrate a willingness to listen to the feedback by acknowledging selected tips and comments and implementing a plan to execute them. For example, if an employee requests company-sponsored weekend events, start a volleyball team or bowling league. Doing so will demonstrate a willingness to listen as well as a provide staffers with a social activity that can create bonds in the office.
Add Comforts to the Workplace
Make changes to the dress code if possible. If upscale business attire must prevail Mondays through Thursday, allow business casual for Fridays. Other changes can also increase morale, such as providing doughnuts or nonalcoholic specialty drinks during meetings and allowing staffers to listen to office-friendly music. The idea is to boost morale by adding comforts and treats that can rev up energy and allow staffers to feel more comfortable at work.
Tags: willingness listen, work environment