Results of a 2017 study show that employees are disengaged and have low motivation and productivity when they have low morale. They have a higher likelihood of missing work and even resigning.
Low morale also has other negative effects, even among employees who stay in the company. They feel unappreciated and become stressed, irritable, and even hostile. They may complain about the smallest things, argue with co-workers, blame others for their mistakes, and become uncooperative. This will result in disagreements and conflict. Overall, more people’s productivity becomes affected, and company revenue plummets.
So how can you go about boosting your employees’ morale? Read on to find out.
What is Employee Morale and Why Does It Matter in the Workplace?
Employee morale is the general outlook, attitude, satisfaction, and feelings that employees have about their job, co-workers, and company. A company with high employee morale will have a workforce that is happy, engaged, and productive.
There are many factors that contribute to employee morale. These include job satisfaction, working conditions, pay and benefits, company culture, and how employees are treated by their supervisors.
When morale is high, employees feel good about their work and are motivated to do their best. They feel like they are part of a team and are proud to be associated with the company. They also have a positive outlook toward change and new challenges. Low employee morale has the opposite effect.
It’s clear that employee morale is a significant factor in a company’s success. So, if you want to increase your company’s profitability, boosting employee morale should be a top priority.
Here are some ways to do that.
Show Appreciation for Employees
One of the best ways to boost employee morale is simply to show appreciation for their work. Make sure to reward employees who go above and beyond their job descriptions and those who excel. This can be done in many ways, such as verbal praise, handwritten notes, or awards and recognition.
You should also hold company celebrations, for instance, during the company’s anniversary annually, billed as a thanksgiving party for everyone’s efforts. Invite a top keynote speaker who can provide inspiration and lift employees’ spirits. He must be able to boost morale by highlighting how each of them is a valued partner in the company.
Invest in Employee Development
Another way to boost employee morale is to invest in their development. This could include providing training and education opportunities or opportunities to attend conferences and workshops. You can also offer mentorship programs, where employees can learn from more experienced workers.
When employees feel like they are constantly learning and growing, they will be more engaged in their work. They will also appreciate the company’s investment in their development and be more likely to stay with the company for the long term.
Create a Positive Company Culture
Another way to boost employee morale is to create a positive company culture. This includes having an open and inclusive environment, providing support for employees, and encouraging a healthy work-life balance.
Employees must feel like they can express themselves freely and contribute at every opportunity. Any criticism must be constructive and kind. Those who need to work from home must be given the same opportunities as those who work in the office.
When employees feel like they are part of a positive and supportive company culture, they will be more loyal and motivated to be more productive.
Provide Good Working Conditions
Another important factor in employee morale is working conditions. Employees who have to work in cramped, dirty, or dangerous conditions are likely to have low morale. Therefore, it’s important to provide good working conditions for your employees.
This includes a comfortable and clean work environment, adequate space and resources, and safe working conditions. When employees have good working conditions, they will be less likely to leave.
Fair Pay and Benefits
Finally, employees must feel that they are being paid fairly and have good benefits. This includes competitive salaries, bonuses, and paid time off. Employees should also have access to health insurance and a retirement plan. When employees feel like they are being treated fairly, they will be less likely to look for greener pastures.
The Bottom Line
Boosting employee morale is essential for any company that wants to be successful. If you want to increase your company’s profitability, taking care of employee morale should be a top priority. There are many ways to do this, such as showing appreciation, investing in employee development, creating a positive company culture, providing good working conditions, and offering fair pay and excellent benefits. By raising your employees’ morale, you increase your company’s profitability.