When employee morale is low, work tends to suffer. As an employer, one of your duties is to help lift employee morale and keep it high.
Here are some things you should avoid if you want to keep employee morale up:
Fail to Treat Employees Like Humans – While your employees are your workers, they are also humans. Simple acts like celebrating birthdays, weddings, births of children and more will show your employees that you view them as people, not robots. Even a small gesture like asking them how they are doing as you pass them in the hallway or over chat will let them know that you care.
Competitions that Pit One Employee Against Another – While you may think it is a good idea to create an internal competition that would result in a promotion for one employee, you will find that the loser is likely to hold a grudge against you, the company, and the winner. Instead of pitting your employees against each other for a promotion, look for ways that can help your entire team develop.
Fail to be Transparent – Failing to let employees in on the ‘big picture’ or what is currently going on in the company can make them feel like you are hiding something or even that you do not trust them. These kinds of actions can also cause rumors to spread. If you need to cut positions or an annual party, tell your employees exactly why.
Ignore Your Employees’ Dreams, Goals and Job Satisfaction – It is hard to motivate your employees if you do not know what actually motivates them. The more interest you have in your employees’ dreams, goals and job satisfaction, the more your employees will be willing to bring that enthusiasm to work. While it is difficult to completely satisfy all of your employees, look for ways to incorporate what they love and enjoy into what they do at work.
You are Unavailable – As the boss, you are busy. Employees know that. However, make a concerted effort to be as available as you can. Have an open door policy and take time to talk with your employees. When your staff is able to view you as approachable, they are more likely to bring issues to your attention and offer valuable feedback.
Refuse to Promote Because an Employee is Great at the Job He or She Currently Holds – Avoid the mindset that you cannot afford to promote an employee because he or she is great at their current position. Rather, help your employees grow and, in turn, groom others under them. If you do not, you could lose them.
You Make Work All About Work – While work should certainly focus on getting the job done, you can also make work fun. Consider planning fun events for your staff. Nothing will boost employee morale faster than a boss who understands that work can also be enjoyable.
Only Offer Rewards to The Loudest Employees – While self-promoters deserve congratulations when earned, it is also important that you recognize your other great employees who do not self-promote. Be fair in how you reward your employees. By rewarding all employees who deserve it, you will show them that you value their work. One simple way to do this is to write an email thanking them for their contributions to a particular project. You can also take employees out to lunch who meet certain goals. No matter how you decide to show your employees that you appreciate their work, you will build loyalty.
It is crucial that you remember that happy employees are productive employees. By avoiding these pitfalls, you can boost and keep up morale in the workplace.
The team at Optimum Employer Solutions, your answer to any HR outsourcing needs, are here to help you boost employee morale. Our experts can offer suggestions and help you create a great environment in your workplace where employees feel appreciated.
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