10 Ways to Boost Employee Morale

Employee Recognition Boosts Morale

Part of the reason that some businesses have fewer personnel issues is that they have incorporated an ethic of standing by their employees and appreciating the fine work they do.

Employee recognition is a morale-booster because people like to get that pat on the back, or be pointed out as a terrific employee in front of others.

The problem is it's easy to ignore employee especially during rough times.

Employee appreciation boosts morale and the boost is contagious. When one person feels appreciated, he or she is happy and excited; others are also perked up and strive to stand in the spotlight, too. This improves profitability for a business as employees perform better and customer service gets a shot in the arm.

Employee shouldn't only happen when a business is doing well in profits. The time for employee gratitude is always, and especially during the times when the business is losing ground.

It is well worth the time and effort to explore various ways to show employee appreciation. Psychologically, it not only increases employee retention, but creates an environment where employees know that their performance in the business is recognized.

Think for a moment about how you, as a manager, feel when you receive a pat on the back. It feels good, doesn't it? When your employees work hard, they'll enjoy for their hard work! Be sure to give it to them and employee performance will improve.

1. Watch your people work. Look for ways their jobs could be made easier. In addition, be sure to note outdated rules and regulations that could be causing interference with employee job performance.

2. Ask your employees for advice when creating an employee recognition program. Many employers have found that employees would like to have more training or pursue a college degree instead of bonus money. Asking for ideas helps to motivate management, which in turn motivates employees.

3. Struggling employees need even more recognition. Tell them that you appreciate their being a part of your business and encourage them. Employee recognition takes all employees into account, no matter their positions at your company.

4. Employee performance is often higher when an employee feels he or she owns their job. Create ample room for employees to explore options and be creative. You might be very pleased with the outcome, and the burden will be lifted off your shoulders to "babysit" your staff.

5. Have a meeting and have employees help you to revamp your company creed or motto. Perk it up and include statements such as, "ABC has the Best Employees!" This also shows the public that your business is quick to recognize employees for the company's success.

6. Create social events for all to enjoy and give recognition to those who have gone above and beyond the call of duty. In this atmosphere, everyone feels a bit special by knowing you are proud of them.

7. Be above-board and honest with employees. This includes having an open-door policy and suggestion box for the timid. Listen and read suggestions at meetings to get employee feedback. Employees are proud to work at a company where management truly listens to them.

8. Show employees that you care about them as people who have experiences outside the workplace; good and bad. Take an active interest in how things are going for them. Recognizing your employees and any issues they may have will lead to greater employee performance. They will feel like part of a "family."

9. Incorporate other morale-boosters such as movie nights, flex time, memberships at the local gym, and onsite childcare. Employee recognition takes perks beyond "money" into consideration.

10. If business is going through a rough period, your dedicated employees should be the last to go. You can temporarily cut hours or trim work days. Ask your employees what some possible solutions might be. Good managers are open with their employees and employees often volunteer time off during such times.

Employee Loyalty Benchmark from Walker Information

Employee Recognition Tools and Other Strategies

• Employee recognition boosts employees' morale and performance.
• Employee recognition should not be considered a reward as much as "employee courtesy and consideration."
• Have an open-door policy where employees feel comfortable sharing thoughts and opinions.
• Create a "family-like" atmosphere and show all employees your appreciation of their hard work.
• Employee recognition is most effective when giving praise during the day to each employee.
• Employee recognition adds pride in your business. After all, it is the employees who make your business run. Be the first one to say, "I've got the best employees on Earth" and watch employee performance improve.