A company is only as good as its employees. They are the lifeblood, the energy, of any business. And in order to actually be successful, you have to take care of them. These days employers know that if you want to get the most out of your people, you need to treat them with respect and dignity. In other words, you don’t want your employees to fear you, you want to improve their morale (and through it, their performance). Below you can find some strategies and tips on how to improve employee morale, and actually get, them to enjoy their jobs.
Get to know them
The first thing you should do if you really want to improve employees’ morale is to get to know them. Of course, this is much easier when you have a smaller team, compared to a bigger one, but the same rules apply – look at them as human beings. By actually fully understanding and accepting that they are all individuals with full lives and experiences, it will be easier to treat them with respect. Then, you will get to know them more easily.You will find out what skills they have, what are they excited about, what they despise, what they are bad at. This will allow you to utilize their skills better, to know what tasks to delegate to them, and what tasks to avoid. It can also help you understand how to train them better, and help you advise them on what to focus on.
Actually, think about the perks you give
On a less personal note, invest in some recreational items in your office. Just a couple of small changes and items can mean the world to your employees. For example, setting up your workplace with Lavazza workplace coffee machines will improve employee morale much more than the fanciest chairs, desks, and artwork. Coffee is sometimes more important than food in an office environment, and using an old, decrepit coffee maker is a continual annoyance that just builds up. Also, while we do not advise you get the most elite, royal chairs you can, investing in ergonomic furniture can mean the world to your people.And don’t just limit yourself to the office itself. Don’t get people coupons or memberships to some remote, overpriced and overpopulated gym. Instead, maybe set up a poll, see what people would actually be interested in. A monthly massage may be more appreciated more than most other things.
Praise in public, scold in private
Don’t make the mistake of not calling out your employees on the errors they make. You won’t be doing them a favour, and neither will you help yourself or your company. Instated, try to make them aware of the mistake they made, and give out some tips on how not to make it again. However, if you want to keep morale up, you need to do this in private. Scolding an employee in front of the entire group will ruin the mood in the entire office. It will also make people afraid of making mistakes due to the public shame they will feel.On the other hand, always try to praise in public. If you see someone doing well, going above and beyond what is asked of them, you should definitely let them know you appreciate this. However, try to hand out this appreciation in front of the rest of the staff. This will let people know that their good work will always be appreciated, and will give an extra boost to the employee you praised.
Show that you actually care
Show your employees that you actually care about them. We mentioned how you need to learn to see them as people. Well, you also need to learn to treat them that way as well. You need to let them know that you actually care. Remember, it’s always the little things that matter the most, and it’s the little things that employees remember.So, for example, sending out birthday cards and bonuses will always be greatly appreciated. Send out gifts for newlywed couples, as well as for new parents. You can either buy an actual gift for them or add a nice little bonus to their check on one specific month. In general, sending a card for any significant event in their lives while they are working for you can be greatly appreciated.
Bringing in free food is a great plus. A box of doughnuts, or quality catering, even buying everybody a meal In a restaurant once a month will get yourself on people’s good side, and let them know they are appreciated.
Facilitate meaning
One of the greatest drains of positive emotion and motivation in any office is the feeling of being a cog inside a machine. People want to know that they matter, that their contribution actually matters. It’s a fine line you tread, a line found between working for something greater and themselves, and feeling like their contributions are miniscule. So a big part of solving this very issue is making them feel like they belong, like their work matters. This all becomes more difficult the largest a company is. But, there is a way you can get this under control.Fist, help them understand that you are all a team working for the same goal. Namely, the more productive you are, the better everybody’s situation in the company will be. Higher paychecks, more relaxed atmosphere… It’s best if you start from something pragmatic and clear. Let them know that everything they do does matter, and explain to them how their job contributes to the company. Try to be honest, not condescending.
