How Workplace Morale Can Boost Employee Productivity
Is every day a ‘Monday’ in the office? Maybe you have lazy coworkers browsing Facebook every hour? Your workplace morale may need a boost.
Of course there are a number of ways to make employees happier; vacations, promotions, raises. But the question every employer ask still remains: “How can I make my workers perform at their very best?”
Since workplace morale can quickly make or break a company’s productivity, here are a few simple and creative approaches to think about adapting at your workplace:
1. Know your employees’ hobbies and host related activities
Everyone’s different – so the first thing you need to know are the employee’s hobbies. I’ve seen this be done by distributing a questionnaire/survey asking for the interests of each employee. It can have questions like:
- “What are your hobbies?”
- “Favourite sport?”
- “Favourite game?”
After you’re sure of everyone’s hobbies, work towards organizing popular activities that is best for your coworkers.
2. Promote a work/life balance
Having flexible hours can make a world of a difference. Life is unpredictable and accidents can happen.
One way to promote a work/life balance is to offer the option to work from home. The luxury of working from home gives employees a chance to take a breather and save that one and a half hour bus ride.
When it comes to rewarding a job well done, offering employees paid time off goes a long way. Whether it’s for a day rest at home or a coupon for a day spa, it gives employees something they would call their mother to brag about.
3. Offer Training
According to Gallup research, the top reason (32% total) employees leave a company is for development opportunities. Thus, providing employees with effective training is sure to boost morale.
The best employees will continue to demand professional development opportunities that help them grow. This includes offering certification courses, bringing in experts for training sessions, and paying for employees to attend local conferences.
4. Make the office fun
If you can’t bring your employees for a party, take the party to them!
Workplace recreation is gaining popularity as a tactic to improve workplace morale. This ranges from offering fitness programs to entertainment programs. Who doesn’t love a free gym and staff party room? Research suggests workplace recreation has a positive influence on employee performance variables: job satisfaction (92%), quality of service and customer satisfaction (72%) and enhanced productivity (77.5%).
5. The good and the bad
Offering employees a fun and relaxing work environment is great for workplace morale. But what if employees abuse the system?
According to a survey, 64% of employees visit non-work related websites every day at work. Of that group, 21% waste five hours per week. In other words, these employees are spending five hours per week checking their Facebook newsfeed, buying things on eBay, or watching last night’s game.
Companies now want to regain that lost productivity through web monitoring tools and Internet use restrictions.
Don’t forget how the regular maintenance of equipment and processes can also assist with workplace productivity.
Now you know the secrets to get even more out of employees. Go on out there, embrace them and watch your coworkers become the best around – and also the most loyal workers.
Which other tips do you have for boosting workplace morale or employee productivity?
Blog by Anthony Trinh
