5 Steps to Increasing Company Morale

The feeling of energy and optimism felt in some companies is not just a fluke that occurs organically. It results from a conscious effort to ensure that employees feel valued and engaged, both on a professional level and on a personal level. You can help to boost your company’s morale by taking a few simple actions.

Celebrate Successes as a Group

Savvy business owners understand that it’s the efforts of all employees that create the conditions that make a business a success. Whenever a project is done on time and within budget, make it a cause for celebration. Strong leaders know that each employee should feel their work contributes to the overall success of the company. For larger efforts, have an employee dinner or other event to thank them for the hard work.

Foster Recreational Time Together

Companies that doggedly keep their nose to the grindstone on work duties tend to burn out their employees and cause low morale. Make sure your crew has fun moments to share, whether it is a softball team, bowling night or other activity. These events help to form positive experiences that carry over into everyday work.

Make Note of Important Events in Employees’ Lives

Always take note of important events in employees’ lives with announcements and gifts. News of the arrival of a new baby or loss of a loved one should be shared within the work group, so every employee knows their personal lives are appreciated as much as their work contributions. These measure help to build cohesion and cooperation among your work teams.

Promote From Within

Nothing is more dispiriting than doing your best on projects for a number of years and having an outsider come in to fill a position you know inside-and-out. Whenever possible, promote from within to provide promotional opportunities for your best people and to ensure that good work and loyalty are rewarded. At the very least, offer positions first to your employees before opening them to the public.

Encourage Activities to Help the Community

Companies that engage in activities that help the community enjoy higher morale and greater cohesion in their work duties. Get your employees involved in collecting food for the local food bank, distributing baskets at Christmas or raising money for a local building project. You will enjoy the increased pride and closer camaraderie of a workforce that participates in improving the community.

These tips are just a few of the ways you can improve company morale. Business owners can utilize a number of other methods to keep their workforces engaged and energized. Take a look at your company’s structure and habits to see where you can implement measures that will promote high morale and a sense of appreciation in your employees.

Author: Dixie Somers is a freelance writer and blogger for business, home, and family niches. Dixie lives in Phoenix, Arizona, and is the proud mother of three beautiful girls and wife to a wonderful husband. Dixie recommends looking into a masters of business administration online degree in order to maximize your leadership skills as a small business owner.