All-4-HR Blog Spot: How’s Your Employee Morale Doing!

Employee morale will make the difference between the success and/or failure of your organization. We’ve talked about employee engagement that goes hand-in-hand with the level of your employees’ morale and organizational culture.

Sometimes, there are decisions made in an organization that may be intended for good; but may have the opposite effect on employee morale. For example: An employer may implement or have in place a rule that prohibit personal items in the workplace to maintain a professional workplace. Such a rule, however limits employees’ ability to create a workplace where they feel comfortable. Even worse, such a rule can create a sterile, institutional environment.

Improving employee morale involves motivating employees by creating an encouraging work environment, providing support and feedback, and implementing effective management and leadership techniques. Providing support and feedback lets employees know that the company values their efforts and are glad to have their contributions to the team(s). Keep in mind not all motivation techniques apply to all employees. Unfortunately, there are no one-size-fits-all techniques that apply to all employees. While some employees prefer to work and keep to themselves -- focusing on work; others require interpersonal support and positive reinforcement and feedback. Consider what motivates each type of employee and strive to provide that motivation. Motivating employees means both managing and leading.

As an employer who is focused on employee morale, you want to be sure that you are not allowing toxic employees or environments to surface and/or spread. We’ve had that discussion on the damage toxic employees can cause, including toxic managers. That is another discussion right?

Some Things to keep in mind for motivating your employees are:

· Show employees that they are trusted to handle responsibility;

· Give trusted employees flexibility in completing tasks.

· Empower rather than manage employees. Empowering employees grants them freedom. Be sure there are managers or supervisor available if employees need assistance. Giving employees freedom does not mean isolating them. You were make sure assistance is available if needed.

Motivation Do’s and Don’ts

Situations or actions that can damage employee morale and motivation include:

· Poorly communicating expectations,

· Excessive rules and restrictions,

· Activities that are “removed” from production (excessive meetings),

· Internal competition that leads to “in-fighting,” and

· Giving criticism without positive feedback or suggestions for corrections.

Situations or actions that can enhance and increase/maintain motivation include:

· Providing variety and rotation to break up “routine” work,

· Defining and clearly communicating goals,

· Showing support and giving constructive criticism for mistakes,

· Allowing flexibility in how the work is done, and