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Ways to Manage Low Morale in the Workforce

Guest post by: Terri Levine

Article Overview: Sometimes the methods organizations can use to boost staff morale don't have to be expensive... sometimes a smile and kindness works wonders, and other times counseling.

Ways to Manage Low Morale in the Workforce

Morale is always and has always been a key concern for employers as it is a key reason behind high staff turnover. Today there are more reasons for low morale than previously experienced, given the increased anxiety people feel about potential terrorist attacks and loved ones fighting overseas. Added to this is the added insecurity of a struggling economy, increased job loss, and worry about an unknown future.

Different morale boosting techniques will work for different organizations and will take into consideration whether the main cause of low morale is in-house discord, family members or peers fighting overseas or having to travel to regions where risk of terrorist attack may be imminent.

Leniency should be shown towards those employees who have loved ones fighting overseas or travelling in dangerous regions who spend an extra five minutes around the water cooler discussing their concerns with a work friend because that extra five minutes could be the difference between an unproductive employee and a productive employee. People need to talk about their fears and concerns so they do not continue to dwell on them and can move on with their activities.

If by chance a large portion of staff have loved ones fighting overseas, and productivity is noticeably affected, counseling services can be considered and this will benefit all employees. Employers with employee assistance programs should make contact information readily available.

Organizations can also consider the American Red Cross, which provides resources and materials to help people, including children, cope with trauma and anxieties. Whatever investments or allowances an organization makes for its employees, it will be remembered and they will be rewarded by employee loyalty and healthy production.

Bringing employees together to develop a supportive, team-spirited environment is important. If division exists, employees should be encouraged to respect each other's differing opinions and agree to disagree, focusing on those things they do agree upon. Other strategies that organizations and employees can consider to boost morale and feelings of usefulness is fund-raising events and donation drives, including blood donations which can create bonding opportunities.

If the economy dictates that layoffs must be considered, employers should ensure severance packages are adequate and offer to help affected employees find new employment or offer outgoing counseling. Consideration also must be given to employees who may suffer feelings of guilt for surviving a downsizing. Some organizations could be in a position to consider discussing the downsizing problem with employees who might develop work-management ideas previously not considered, which could mean fewer or no job losses.

Brighten the workplace environment. Inject humor into the workplace and make it a fun atmosphere to counteract the heaviness being felt by employees. I'm not suggesting that your office be turned into a three-ring circus, but you can encourage everyone to smile by producing a light-hearted newsletter, holding interoffice fun competitions, etc. Organizations can survey employees for ideas. Lifting morale need not be an expensive exercise and in many instances, can be done cheaply with imagination.

Encourage managers to move through their departments more regularly, smiling, asking people how they are doing, and generally spreading "cheer". Happiness is contagious.

Employees themselves should talk to their managers and express their fears and concerns. It should be possible for employees to negotiate time off using flexi time or other forms of leave when needed; for example, if an immediate family member is overseas serving in an active military capacity and may be injured or missing. These employees will have their down days and if they know that their employer is sympathetic and supportive and willing to compromise during these difficult days, it eases the pressures a person might feel by removing the guilt associated with poor performance on the job.

Other employees can assist by ensuring their work friends who have partners or family members temporarily away from home have plenty of support during and after work hours. They can do this by visiting colleagues, suggesting outings, and encouraging them to take part in various activities to occupy their minds.

Motivational posters or seminars may assist employees to ask themselves such important questions as "How do you intend to create your life experience?" and "How can you take back control of your life?" Learning how to take responsibility for one's life and one's destiny is empowering. When people feel strong, secure, and confident, they are better equipped to deal with the ups and downs of life.

Finally, one thing a person can do is to take extraordinary care of themselves. Organizations can help teach employees such things as striking a healthy life/work balance and incorporating self-care techniques into their busy days. Making the most of leisure time, taking time to pamper ourselves, and finding private time all help to combat stress and are useful tools at any time.

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Article Tags: boost morale, business, leadership, management, morale, staff morale, workplace morale



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