Organizations with leaders who do not take company morale seriously compete at a disadvantage. Positive work cultures have employees that are more productive than those that work in a harmful or toxic environment. As a leader at your company, you cannot afford to overlook the well-being of your employees. Here are some easy ways to boost morale at your startup business.
Encourage Your Employees to Have a Good Work-Life Balance
Many companies are proud that their employees work 50, 60, or more hours each week. Employees spend more time at work than they do at home and with their families. Far from improving productivity, late nights burn employees out and make them grow resentful.
One way to encourage a better work-life balance is to ban company emails between a set time in the evening and the morning. If employees fall into the habit of sending emails during this off time, a simple reminder is usually enough to get them back on track. Doing this or taking other steps can help your employees feel more energized and upbeat during work hours because they know that they can focus on their private life once they walk away.
Give Your Employees the Space to Try and to Fail
Employees feel part of the team when their ideas are listened to. Of course, you are not going to be able to follow up on every idea your team has. But it would help if you allowed your employees to follow up on some of their initiatives. You should know from the get-go that not every initiative will be successful. But employees should feel free to give certain things a try. They should know that if they fail, it doesn’t mean that they are not going to have the opportunity to present new ideas in the future.
Small Things Produce Big Results
Whether it is occasionally giving your employees gifts, having donuts at the office, or in some other way surprising your employees to let them know that you appreciate and value them, little things go a long way. Small gifts are not going to completely revolutionize the morale of your workplace. But little things do produce tangible results.
Award People for Success
Financial compensation gives your employees monetary satisfaction. But it doesn’t necessarily make your employees feel valued. Implementing an award system that includes a trophy speaks to the hearts of your employees. It lets them know that you are paying attention to what they are doing and that you appreciate the little efforts that they make.
There are many ways that you can go about showing your employees that you appreciate them. For example, distinctively unique trophies customized with engravings are a great way to recognize the work done by employees. You can find some cheap yet beautifully handcrafted trophy for every employee achievement imaginable.
Have an Open Line of Communication
Your company should encourage employees to communicate with management. It should also facilitate said communication. Your employees should not feel afraid to speak up at meetings, collaborate with colleagues, or work with management. They should know what is expected of them and what they expect you to do for them.
Part of this includes one-on-one sessions with employees. There should be open communication channels for employees to express concerns about problems they are facing and provide ideas. Guidelines should be put in place to allow employees to vent problems without fearing employer reprisal.
Use Team Building Activities
Morale is closely linked to how employees feel about other team members. If your team works in an office together, why not have team lunches or team happy hours? Organizing something for remote teams can be more of a challenge and requires you to think outside of the box. However, the results are more than worth the effort you will put forth.
Do Not Underestimate the Importance of Employee Morale
Happy employees are more engaged and productive. As remote work becomes the norm, your organization needs to pay close attention to your employees’ experience. This is the only way that you will be able to attract and retain the talent you need to allow your company to continue to grow.
