How to Boost Morale Among Your Employees

Morale refers to the overall satisfaction level of the employees within an organization. Morale is typically classified as low (negative) or high (positive). Low morale signals employee dissatisfaction with the working environment, which can be caused by either inadequate compensation, poor management or communication, challenging working conditions, and lack of alignment with the company’s goals. This type of morale can be detrimental to the company because it decreases productivity, lays the groundwork for insubordination, increases absenteeism, and decreases retention.

High morale occurs when employees are satisfied with their working conditions, management, compensation, or ability to perform their job. People who work in high-morale environments may feel more fulfilled at work, have stronger working relationships, and more positive attitudes toward their company. High morale is vital for a good workplace environment because it boosts productivity, increases retention rates, makes hiring easier, and promotes employee wellness.

High employee morale is vital in a company for several reasons:

• Increases productivity. Morale is a key variable in employee engagement. When employees show up at work feeling refreshed and ready to get back to work, they’re likely to get more work done—and even go above and beyond to ensure the organization succeeds. Conversely, if employees have low morale, they are more likely to spend more time avoiding tasks, waiting around for closing time, or not showing up altogether (called absenteeism).
• Increases retention. Companies with high morale have a much higher employee retention rate since employees value their jobs and look forward to work. Companies with low morale may have a high turnover rate because they have a hard time keeping great talent since employees are more likely to look for better jobs elsewhere.
• Makes hiring easier. Hiring new employees can be less challenging for companies with high morale. Happy employees will highly recommend working for your company, reviews on public job sites will be more positive, creating good word of mouth and attracting top talent to new positions. Low morale can have the opposite effect; if your company has a reputation for a hostile workplace environment, fewer people will want to apply for positions, and you’ll have a more challenging time finding new hires.
• Prioritizes employees’ wellbeing. High morale isn’t just good business—it’s also a great way to prioritize your employees’ health and wellbeing. When morale is high, employees feel less stressed and more fulfilled, resulting in a better quality of life for everyone who works at your company. Low morale can lead to employee burnout and increased stress levels.

Positive employee morale is invaluable to any company. Employees who feel recognized as human beings will be better and happier workers. Here are a few ways to boost morale in the workplace:

• Establish a line of communication. Employees want to feel heard, whether they have a great idea for the company or are struggling with a situation at home. Establish a culture of open communication in your organization by encouraging employees to ask questions and give feedback. Meetings are a great way to establish a line of communication. Managers can schedule regular check-ins, one-on-one meetings, and all-hands meetings to update employees on the company’s progress and foster transparency.
• Recognize employee successes. It feels good to be acknowledged for a job well done, and it’s proven to boost morale in the workplace. Set up an employee recognition program that regularly celebrates specific employees for their hard work.
• Try team-building activities. Team-building exercises engage a group of team members to foster socializing, teamwork, and collaboration. These activities—like happy hours, show-and-tells, and work retreats—will help your employees build strong bonds with their coworkers while also making your workplace more fun.
• Build breaks into the routine. Work efficiency isn’t just about working—an ideal work schedule includes several small breaks, which helps employees refresh and recharge, making them more productive when they get back to work. Encourage employees to take lunch breaks where they can disconnect from work (rather than eating lunch at their desks) during the workday, consider enforcing a weekly no-meeting day, and plan regular activities to help employees take a break.
  
• Align your perks and benefits with employee needs. Perks and benefits are a key part of employee satisfaction, ensuring that you’re offering things that matter to your employees. In general, categories like personal and professional development, health and wellness, and flexible paid time off are great places to focus. Poll your employees and see what perks and benefits they would like to see.
• Encourage employee development. Among the top reasons employees stay with a company is that it offers them opportunities for professional development—whether that’s building up to current skills, learning new skills, attending conferences, networking with others in the industry, or taking classes. A culture of continuous learning will help make your employees happier and will boost their job satisfaction.
• Offer wellness resources. Show your employees that you care about their physical and mental health by offering wellness resources like health education classes, fitness and meditation sessions, and counseling. These resources will encourage your employees to prioritize their wellbeing and a healthier work-life balance and make the work environment a better place.

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