Because of employees’ immense impact on everything from profitability and productivity to the quality of personal interactions within a business, leaders must understand that the physical and mental well-being of workers is an integral component to success. Much discussion revolves around the concept of employee morale, but few companies consider in the abstract – let alone the specific – what broader variables affect this. To change this, bosses and leaders should consider these important workplace dynamics that can impact overall morale.
Safety
Regardless of workplace setting, people need to feel safe when at work. Basic components of workplace safety can have a huge impact on morale as they show employees that the business is dedicated to their protection. From well-lit parking areas for employees who arrive or leave after dark to secured shelving, equipment, and furniture, taking extra steps to boost security and safety is paramount.
Besides wanting to avoid a workplace accident that could lead to employee workers’ compensation cases, you should also want employees to feel more secure while they work. In order to provide this feeling of safety and improve employee morale, business leaders must invest in additional measures of security and safety.
Perks and Benefits
While substantial pay can play a huge part in employee morale and assist with minimizing turnover, a variety of studies have shown that workplace benefits have an important impact as well. Employees who do not have access to healthcare insurance, retirement and pension packages, or even just a handful of vacation days, are less likely to bring a positive spirit to work with them on a daily basis.
Keep in mind that benefits do not always have to be directly financial in nature, but do need to be items, experiences, or opportunities that employees explicitly appreciate or request. The occasional gift card to a local restaurant does not suffice here.
Flexibility
Employees now more than ever are forced into unfavorable schedules and environments by uninspiring bosses. True leaders know that there are many ways to accomplish a task, and you can improve employee morale by showing that you understand this. Improving flexibility means you may include fewer restrictions on when employees can take vacation days, the elimination of traditional office hours, and work-from-home opportunities. Every employee is different, so giving them chances to succeed at work in a way that suits them is sure to boost morale.
Eliminating the Superfluous
Busy work – along with repetitive and meaningless tasks – are a huge morale dampener for employees in office settings. Having employees participate in conference calls where people aren’t paying attention or giving them a dozen small, meaningless tasks each day will make them feel worthless. Each business function should add real value to an employee’s work if you want them to remain loyal to your company and stay motivated.
By eliminating elements from the workday that waste time or are being done solely out of tradition, employees won’t feel so mentally taxed. They will also find greater meaning in the work they do with superfluous tasks out of the picture.
These tips are just a few of the many ways that leaders can improve employee morale. By addressing unnecessary tasks, offering perks, providing workers with flexibility, and ensuring a safe, secure workspace, any company can enjoy a boost to employee morale – and all the benefits that come with it.
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