Things have been different at your firm over the last few months. Employees who were once eager to take on a new client file now seem less enthusiastic. Go-getters who used to voluntarily stay late now clock out at five on the dot.
None of these are good signs. They indicate that employee morale is low and no one is fully committed to the success of the firm anymore. When you’re trying to grow the business, this low engagement can derail your plans fast. So what can you do?
The first step in re-energizing your team is to boost morale and improve job satisfaction. These tips can help you achieve both goals.
Tip #1: Give Your Employees Some Recognition
Employees who feel appreciated are more likely to perform well at work and become more productive. One Gallup study found that when you recognize a job well done, it makes your team feel valued, which in turn increases productivity, loyalty, and retention rates. Whether it’s at a team meeting or during a 1:1 review, a few words of sincere praise can improve engagement significantly.
Tip #2: Foster a Healthy Company Culture
It’s not acceptable for managers to push themselves and their teams to the limit. When striving to improve your company culture, your goal should be to reduce stress, maintain a healthy work-life balance, and promote a psychologically safe workplace. You can do this by taking measures such as:
- Establishing and enforcing an anti-bullying policy
- Allowing flexible schedules
- Keeping caseloads reasonable to avoid burnout
Tip #3: Encouraging Time Off and Breaks
Changing one’s environment can lead to creativity and innovation. Whenever possible, encourage your employees to get away from their desks for a quick break every hour. They can grab a cup of coffee, go outside for some fresh air, and exercise. Making these breaks an office routine will make your team happier and improve their contributions to your bottom line.
It is equally important to encourage employees to take advantage of their vacation days and time-off allowances. A healthy company culture allows employees to ask for and take time off without fear of repercussions.
Tip #4: Promote Work-Life Balance
Employees have lives outside of work. Even while they’re at their desks, they may be quietly stressing about their family, finances, and health. Over time, it can impede performance.
The solution? Treat your employees like human beings. A flexible work schedule, paid time off, and work-from-home policies enable workers to address these needs at home. In turn, this boosts morale and allows them to be their best while they are in the office.
Tip #5: Encourage Feedback
You’re more likely to motivate employees when you show them that you’re listening to them. However, simply collecting feedback isn’t enough; you also need to act on it. Be sure to thank your employees for sending in their ideas and suggestions, even if you don’t implement them all.
Conclusion
Firm owners and managers must make team morale a top priority and be both consistent and strategic in their efforts. You can’t solve morale issues with pizza parties alone: instead, communicate regularly with your team, respond to feedback, and acknowledge accomplishments. When your employees feel appreciated, going the extra mile will be the rule instead of the exception.
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