Low morale corrodes productivity.
Boosting morale and productivity can improve a company's bottom line. Giving public praise and sending thank-you notes can provide a short-term boost. However, this may not raise productivity long term or may not motivate all employees. Fortunately, there are other methods to boost both morale and productivity without depleting limited financial resources.
Instructions
1. Forbid employees in the workplace to interrupt those who are on vacation by calling them or sending emails.
2. Discourage expectations of work during vacations to alleviate resentment and prevent burnout. Encourage employees to learn to rely on colleagues who are present, or to research answers to their questions for themselves, increasing their productivity in the long run.
3. Have employees going on vacation leave company-owned computers, phones and pagers at work. Not only does this help employees to enjoy their vacations, but it also reduces the risk of theft.
4. Encourage employees to enter birthdays and anniversaries into group calendars. Have these calendars available in common meeting areas or online. Avoid scheduling business trips or important meetings on these dates.
5. Give employees the resources they need to effectively do their jobs. Restricting access to supplies or information creates hurdles that employees must overcome. Eliminating obstacles in the path to performance raises both productivity and morale.
6. Create a policy of open communication. It is easiest to help employees who can voice worries freely because you will know what issues to address to improve productivity. Even if an issue cannot be resolved, voicing it to management can improve morale.
7. Give employees extra pay when they are on call outside of their normal work schedule. Workers who must make themselves available to answer phone calls or check in when needed should be compensated for what they may be giving up.
8. Request that vacation plans be made several months in advance. In return for employees' foresight, agree not to require them to reschedule personal trips or events if unexpected project deadlines or assignments arise.
9. Minimize work assignments and due dates on major religious holidays when possible. If it is necessary to have staff work on a religious holiday, offer shift differential pay or holiday pay.
10. Give small incentives to those who have had strong, positive customer feedback or achieved project goals ahead of schedule. If bonuses are difficult to arrange, consider offering gift cards for popular retailers in small dollar amounts. Recognition of productivity and receiving an award matter more than the actual amount given.
11. If employees can keep their lunches at work, they can work during the time they would have spent driving to lunch.
Provide small refrigerators in each large work area. Allow employees to store their food or drinks there. This reduces the need for employees to travel off-site for meals and encourages them to bring their own lunches.
12. Install retractable cubicle barriers for employees who want them. These barriers allow those who want to work without interruption to do so in a company-approved manner.
