Your company can't run its best without competent employees. The happier your employees are, the better they'll perform. Unfortunately, according to statistics from Harris Interactive Inc., only 20 percent of employees feel very passionate about their jobs. Dissatisfaction can lead to losses in productivity, and eventually, money. Improving employee morale can help retain quality employees and attract new ones. Try to make sure your efforts are sincere and original, as any attempts perceived to be self-serving likely won't get you far.
Better Decor
According to Harriet Meyerson, employee success coach and founder of The Confidence Center, one key way to improve morale is by making sure your employees have a pleasant atmosphere in which to work. Meyerson suggests that subtle touches, such as painting walls in a soft pastel color, placing artificial flowers throughout your office or even just decorating for holidays, can improve employee morale. Employee involvement also makes a difference, Meyerson says, so you may want to tell your employees that they are free to decorate their space themselves.
Stress Management
Everyone deals with stress, especially at work. Anne M. Obarski, a customer service consultant, notes that stressed-out employees can lead to dissatisfied customers because your employees won't be able to deliver top-quality service. Rather than sending your employees to a stress-management seminar, which could be insulting, Obarski suggests teaching your employees stress-management skills. This will show that you are actively engaged in your employees' performance and care about their well-being. The one-on-one time will also indicate that you consider your employees' welfare important enough to take time out of your day to address it. Chances are, the less stressed your employees are, the less stressed your customers -- and you -- will be.
Goals and Recognition
Most people have a little competitive spirit. Even if they don't, having something to shoot for can make work a little bit more interesting. For this reason, "Entrepreneur" magazine recommends creating clear, attainable goals for your employees in terms of performance. Creating goals for departments can encourage employees to work together, creating a sense of unity and accomplishment. When employees reach goals, be sure to recognize their accomplishments. "Entrepreneur" recommends doing so in the form of verbal compliments as well as performance awards, billboard postings and e-mail mentions. This will show that you truly appreciate employee efforts and can motivate them to work harder in the future.
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