Have you noticed that there’s been a bit of slump in mood recently? Have your staff appeared glum and arrived at work with less than a spring in their step? It may be time to look at why your workforce is feeling down in the mouth. Consider ways to boost the mood as this can lead to increased productivity, cooperation and ultimately, turnover. A good leader needs to be aware of these shifts and work towards improving the atmosphere and outlook in the workplace. Rewards don’t necessarily need to be financial. Read on to discover some simple tricks to boost staff morale.
Listen
Make sure all your staff feel as if they have a voice in the workplace. No-one is going to enjoy their working life if they don’t feel that they can discuss any changes or ideas. Have a regular meeting time or forum to air any grievances and to ask questions.
Reward Achievement
You don’t need to have a star chart or sweet as a reward when you are an adult but the principle is the same. Being recognized and rewarded for good work is a basic incentive to do well. This could be as simple as a drink after work or something more generous like a gift card.
Be Flexible
Any employee is going to feel stressed if their employer is rigid and inflexible about time off and holiday. Obviously this will vary from company to company, and flexibility may be limited for everybody depending on the nature of the job. Where possible, allow variations and work patterns that can accommodate family lives and outside interests. If staff are fulfilled in their external lives then they will be more content and productive when at work.
Put on Social Events
This can be a great way for everyone to let their hair down and get to know each other outside of the normal working environment. There is the old cliché about drunkenness and the photo copier, but for the most part, social events bring everyone together and create something to look forward to. It doesn’t have to be a night out, activities such as paintballing and skirmishes can be team-building as well as fun. Whether you’re a top lawyer or working in an NHS job, everyone can benefit from the chance to unwind and get to know their colleagues.
Make the workplace fun
You don’t need to be a clown or learn the top 100 worst jokes, but you can foster an atmosphere of lightheartedness as well as being a hive of industry and hard work. Discourage bickering, snapping and abuses of hierarchy by making sure that everyone acknowledges the value of other staff members despite the level of their role. You can set a good example by always treating staff with decency and being able to take a joke yourself. Work is stressful sometimes but taking it out on other people can lead to resentment and other problems. Encourage others to be considerate and open to discussions and resolutions to make the workplace a nicer place to be. Good staff morale should follow on naturally.
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Sam Wright is a journalist working with GP Jobs.