Improve Productivity by Improving Employee Morale

You’ve heard it before, the economy is still weak. Many businesses have had to cut back on employees just to stay afloat, making it important that fewer employees carry more weight than ever before. But this extra burden puts extra stress on employees. Finding ways to alleviate this stress and improve morale is essential for maintaining a motivated, productive workforce.

Improved morale comes from a variety of sources. Some employees may long for recognition for their good work, while others may yearn for a more lenient schedule. Here are five tips for making your employees feel appreciated, valued and supported:

1. Plan monthly department meetings in which employees can freely discuss successes, areas for improvement and long-term goals. To make this open forum more accessible to shy individuals, provide an anonymous suggestion box so anyone can contribute to the overall goals of the company, even if they don’t feel comfortable verbalizing thoughts. Employees are more likely to work toward goals when they can help create them.
2. Deliver positive feedback whenever recognition is necessary. Most people take comfort in their accomplishments being noticed and rewarded, even if that reward is simply a verbal “job well done.” This can be a big motivator to encourage accomplished employees to keep up the good work.
3. Offer flexibility in regards to hours, time off and the option to work from home. Many people are overscheduled and emergencies can happen at any time, making it hard to work around rigid hours of operation. If an employee needs to visit a doctor or wait at home for a handyman, allow them to make up the time or complete tasks from home rather than forcing him or her to take time off. Showing your employees you care about their personal lives nurtures their company loyalty.
4. Plan annual team-building events and celebrate holidays. Participating in a company-wide game day or a holiday gift exchange can be a fun way to help employees get to know each other on a more personal level. Employees who are more comfortable around each other generally work better together.
5. Offer perks to your employees, which can be almost anything that gives your employees a financial break. Offices can offer free snacks on Fridays, store discounts (if the company is a retailer), company matching for charitable donations and so on. Employees enjoy working for a company that gives back to them.

Learn more about what you can do to ensure you business’ success. Call Adock-Adock Insurance Agency at (813) 933-6691 for more information on Tampa business insurance.