So, what can employers do when it comes to boosting morale in the workplace and creating a pleasant environment that causes employees to love their jobs and the companies they work for? Here are five proven ideas for creating a company culture that employees will love.
1. Recognize Employee Progress and Accomplishments
70% of employees say that motivation and morale would improve massively with managers saying thank you more often. (Reward Gateway)
Employees who work hard most certainly deserve to be recognized. Finding creative ways to reward employees for great work is essential for boosting the overall morale in your organization. Consider offering some creative workplace awards (think beyond employee of the month) and implement ways to celebrate accomplishments and milestones within the office through occasionally providing breakfast or lunch or even offering a fun prize.
2. Promote Work-Life Balance (and Model It)
82% of employees say they would be more loyal to their employers if they had flexible work options. (Flexjobs)
This is one of the quickest (and most valuable) ways to boost morale if employees seem disengaged or discouraged. Employers who offer flexibility and promote a family-first mentality with their employees almost always retain great employees and benefit from a happier and more productive work environment.
Modeling a healthy work-life balance as an employer is key. Simple things like reducing email usage after work hours and taking time off when possible can be excellent ways to show employees a healthy example of effective work-life balance.
3. Ask for Feedback (and Do Something with It)
Employees who feel their voice is heard at work are 4.6 times more likely to feel empowered to perform their best work. (Salesforce)
Employee engagement surveys are a valuable tool when it comes to coming up with ideas for boosting morale in the workplace. They can tell you how employees feel about their jobs, company leadership, and the whole company. Ask your employees for feedback often, and—in whatever ways possible—figure out how to implement changes from feedback as it makes sense for your company. Above all, encourage honesty.
4. Offer Professional Learning Opportunities
83% of employees with opportunities to take on new challenges say they’re more likely to stay with the organization. (ReportLinker)
Professional development should be just as important for employers as it is for their employees, so encourage and provide opportunities for personal and professional growth when possible. When employees who have invested time and hard work into your company can grow through new or higher-ranking roles, it affirms their value and can also promote longevity within the company.
5. Encourage real lunch breaks.
60% of employees eat lunch alone at their desk, working. (Bloomberg)
Research suggests that only one in five people take lunch breaks and that white-collar workers are least likely to step away from their desks for a break. Failing to address this issue can dramatically decrease company morale and employee engagement.
Management professor Kimberly Elsbach told NPR that “staying inside, in the same location, is really detrimental to creative thinking.” Get managers on board to take a coffee break, go for a walk, or check out a new restaurant every day. Those people have the greatest leverage to model morale-boosting habits.
