8/25/2004
Boosting Employee Morale
by Kathryn Peacock, Center Director, UAM College of Technology - McGehee SBDC
Successful businesses score better on virtually every aspect of employee morale and attitude. Is that because these employees work for a winner? Actually, employee attitudes cause financial results—not the other way around. Active efforts to boost employee morale benefits your bottom line.
Individuals are motivated differently, so start from these general ideas:
Employees want to be trusted rather than work for a “cop”. They repay your trust as they see you lead by example in dealing with employees, customers, and vendors.
Employees want control of their work. Frustration mounts when needed tools or information are inadequate or missing entirely. Attend to these needs.
They want to know “why” conditions must be as they are. They want to contribute ideas and have them taken seriously. Reward good ideas, and give feedback on why unused ones could not be implemented.
Sociologists who say employee loyalty is dead also say today’s generation is looking for “meaningful work”. Employees whose contributions are valued as meaningful surely develop loyalty to see their ideas in use.
Employees want to be “in” on things—from timely information on formal and everyday matters to a clear understanding of expectations and goals. Guessing leads to morale-killing rumor and speculation. Share information on industry trends, market tips, and anything involving change.
Employees want to be rewarded, recognized, and appreciated for their efforts and talents. Be specific about what they did. On the flip side, they are de-motivated when poor performers receive equal pay and are not disciplined.
These considerations boil down to leadership and communication. Gone are the days when you only had to say, “My door is always open.”
Small businesses can be especially creative with inexpensive “perks” or rewards. Just ask your employees.
For other human resource ideas, go to
http://humanresources.about.com/
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