Understanding what drives employee morale is an important factor in maintaining a productive and motivated workforce. While many companies focus on perks, benefits and team-building exercises, fundamental aspects that can significantly boost morale often go overlooked.
When assessed regularly, these aspects can transform any workplace into an environment where employees feel valued, inspired and engaged. To help, 20 Forbes Business Council members share crucial, yet sometimes overlooked keys that will keep employee morale high for the long term.
1. Distribute Rewards Fairly
It’s important that rewards are distributed fairly. Leaders should ensure that everything from recognition to pay is equal with clear guidelines and enforcement of those guidelines. – Rocky Romanella, 3SIXTY Management Services, LLC
2. Be Human And Vulnerable
Leaders should understand how to be human in front of their teams. Some say they get it, but often their actions and language say otherwise. As leaders, we’re in unique positions in our organizations that can lead us to feel isolated from our teams. We forget the need to be vulnerable, allowing our teams to find ways to support us just as much as we support them. Mutual support fosters morale. – Justin Boone, Untitled Future
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3. Provide Frequent, Effective Communication
When you think you’ve done everything you can to communicate the company’s mission, purpose and strategy, do more. Transparent, effective communication is key to ensuring employees feel connected and recognized by management and peers. With the shift to remote and hybrid work, frequent communication from leaders across channels fosters a sense of purpose that can drive business performance. – Carla Bourque, Rebrandly
4. Implement An Equity Plan
Employees are keen to be involved in decision making, ideas and day-to-day improvements. We often use an equity plan to better align employees, employers and founders. Businesses that include some element of employee ownership have better retention rates, higher staff morale and often increased productivity and profitability as well. Helping employees build longer-term wealth is highly valued. – Craig West, Capitaliz
5. Provide Appreciation And Praise
Don’t let employees assume you consider some job positions more important than others. Instead, make sure everyone on the team feels appreciated and ensure their work is praised. There’s nothing that decreases motivation more than people feeling unable to contribute. Your job as a leader is to make sure your employees know that their work counts, regardless of their position. – Ivan Popov, Vipe Studio
6. Foster A Positive Culture
Leadership’s communication of a vision and strategy may be inspiring, but employees’ morale about execution depends on the culture. Morale is highest when the company consistently introduces programs that generate enthusiasm, and each new offering promises to continue that track record. Success is greatest when the company monitors employee morale regularly through metrics like Net Culture Score and nurtures it. – Jerry Cahn, Age Brilliantly
7. Prioritize Satisfaction And Well-Being
Employees who feel valued, recognized and appreciated will likely stay motivated and engaged. Leaders prioritizing employee satisfaction and well-being can cultivate a welcoming environment where employees can thrive, leading to better performance, higher productivity and ultimately a more successful organization. Don’t underestimate the power of happy employees, as it makes all the difference. – Michael Shribman, APS Global Partners Inc.
8. Provide Regular Feedback
Busy leaders often struggle to provide regular feedback, which is crucial for employee growth. If you only reach out when something goes wrong every time you contact them, they may perceive it as a negative interaction. Recognizing the good work they have been doing will improve their perception of the workplace, and their confidence will receive a significant boost. – Raquel Gomes, Stafi
9. Say ‘Thank You’
Leaders should recognize and acknowledge employee efforts and show appreciation. While often overlooked, a simple “thank you” or recognition of achievements boosts morale, fosters engagement and enhances overall job satisfaction, which can be more powerful than financial incentives. – Trey Ferro, Spot Pet Insurance
10. Keep Your Own Morale High
Set an example by keeping your own morale high. Employees and most humans will often mirror the enthusiasm that their leaders present. If you’re upset, annoyed or in the dumps, this negative energy will resonate throughout your organization. If you want your employees to be motivated, energized and positive, exemplify an uptempo benchmark that can be noticed and followed. – Dr. David Lenihan, Tiber Health
11. Acknowledgement Their Efforts
Effective business leaders should always recognize that acknowledging and appreciating their employees is a critical factor in sustaining high morale. This practice not only elevates team morale, but also cultivates a positive workplace culture, fostering increased employee motivation and loyalty. – Pavel Stepanov, Virtudesk
12. Remain Open And Transparent
Leaders often overlook the power of transparent communication in maintaining high employee morale. Keeping staff in the loop, especially during tough times, builds trust and community. Lack of openness can lead to rumors and lower morale. Clear, honest communication fosters engagement and resilience – Anuraag Sunder, Aon
13. Understand How Everyone Gets Energy
One essential aspect leaders may overlook in maintaining high employee morale is the importance of understanding how each individual gets their energy. We do this through understanding each employee’s Meyers Briggs personality type. This allows us to practice a personalized approach to communication that is crucial for sustaining morale. – Eran Mizrahi, ingredient brothers
14. Show Appreciation
One thing leaders should understand in maintaining high employee morale is the importance of consistent positive recognition. The simple act of appreciation shows your team how much they’re valued and cherished. When employees see their colleagues being acknowledged, it promotes a sense of camaraderie within your organization and naturally boosts morale. – Matthew Davis, GDI Insurance Agency, Inc.
15. Recognize Hard Work And Achievements
Leaders often overlook the power of simple acknowledgment. Recognizing the hard work and achievements of employees not only fosters a positive environment, but also encourages them to strive for more. Consistent feedback and recognition can be more motivating than financial incentives, promoting a culture of respect and value for every individual’s contribution. – Sevana Petrosian, SEV
16. Connect One-On-One
I think it really depends on the leader and their strengths. I tend to be very focused on personal connection—so whenever I feel like morale is waning or people are getting tired, I make it a point to connect one-on-one. It can be a coffee chat, a quick Slack message or something as simple as sending a funny GIF. I do whatever it takes to let someone know that they occupy space in my mind and in my day. – Arthur Bretschneider, Seniorly, Inc.
17. Talk And Act Positively
Never give feedback in a negative way. Talk and act positively, and always follow the mantra of “appreciate and thank first.” There is a difference between saying, “It’s not working” and “I know you’ve put in a lot, but I request you go the extra mile.” Leaders often forget this basic mantra because of pressure, but with it, you will never see your employees down. – Raj Maddula, Global Squirrels
18. Address Workload Concerns
One crucial aspect that leaders should grasp, but sometimes overlook, is the importance of workload management in maintaining high employee morale. Overburdening employees with excessive tasks and responsibilities can rapidly diminish morale, regardless of other incentives or rewards. Recognizing and addressing workload concerns is essential for ensuring long-term employee morale remains high. – Neha Naik, RecruitGyan
19. Demonstrate Trust
One aspect leaders often overlook is the significance of demonstrating trust in their employees. When leaders openly show their confidence in their team members’ abilities, it fosters a sense of empowerment and belonging. This trust encourages employees to take full responsibility for their work and also instills a sense of value, contributing to a more motivated and engaged workforce. – Mark Snell, Polestar Plumbing, Heating & Air Conditioning
20. Give Your Employees A Voice
Take employee opinions on strategic company matters. Also, empower them to make decisions on their own. This will make them feel like they matter and that they are a part of the bigger vision. – Abdulmuhsen Fakih, Systemize It
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