Maintaining a high level of morale within a team is vital for boosting productivity, fostering creativity, and ensuring overall job satisfaction. However, there are instances when morale can take a dip, resulting in a decline in performance and enthusiasm.
Low employee morale poses a significant challenge for managers and business owners.
According to a study conducted in the U.K. by the Gallup Organization, low employee morale has a direct correlation with increased unscheduled absenteeism, which costs roughly $3,600 per year for each hourly worker and $2,660 each year for salaried employees.
Conversely, high morale has the opposite effect. The same study revealed that engaged employees can boost profitability by up to 21%, while absenteeism can decrease by as much as 41% and turnover by 59%.
Here are six strategies to reignite your team’s motivation:
Promote open and regular communication
Creating regular and inclusive communication systems can increase productivity by 25%, according to US-based business solutions provider ExpertMarket. While it may sound common knowledge, only a few practice it.
In ContactMonkey’s Global State of Internal Communications 2022 report, a global survey of more than 2,000 communication and HR leaders, 87% of respondents acknowledged that effective and regular internal team communication was “a key driver of employee productivity,” with only 27% saying they set up consistent feedback mechanisms with employees.
By creating a safe and supportive environment wherein team members can express their ideas and concerns freely, managers increase productivity within the company and promote a healthy work culture wherein every member of the team feels listened to.
Lead by example
Managers who demonstrate passion, resilience, and a positive attitude inspire their teams. Be an exemplar of the behavior and work ethic you expect from your team members.
FedEx Founder and CEO Frederick W. Smith is a known proponent of leadership by example and the concept of a “boundary-less organization,” which encourages leaders to entertain all ideas and suggestions from anyone within the company.
“Leaders get out in front and stay there by raising the standards by which they judge themselves and by which they are willing to be judged,” said Smith.
Set realistic goals and celebrate milestones
Break down larger objectives into smaller, achievable goals. When the team sees progress and celebrates milestones, it creates a sense of accomplishment and renewed focus.
The goal-setting theory of management psychologists Edwin A. Locke and Gary P. Latham underscores the correlation between high performance and specific goals. They said that organizations can enhance their success by implementing precise and measurable objectives for employees.
Moreover, when employee performance is assessed in light of these goals and is coupled with feedback on their outcomes, it fosters a sense of acknowledgment and dedication among the workforce.
Promote skill development
Invest in your team's professional growth by offering opportunities for learning and development. Provide training, workshops, or mentoring programs that align with their career aspirations.
According to a training firm ACI Learning, investing in employee skills development programs helps with both team engagement and retention. In its study, 87% of millennials and 69% of non-millennials said they would stay with their current employers instead of accepting a new position as long as they are presented with growth opportunities.
Encourage work-life balance
In a work-life balance survey conducted by Deloitte US, 77% of the 1,000 respondents revealed having encountered burnout in their present employment, at least once while half of the respondents said they experienced work-related burnout multiple times.
The results of the survey highlight the need for managers and team leaders to be proactive in addressing work-related stress and promoting a healthier work environment. This can include promoting breaks, flexible working hours, and time off.
By valuing your team’s well-being, you demonstrate that their mental and physical health is important, leading to higher job satisfaction and improved morale.
Offer innovative benefits
In South Korea, companies are becoming more creative when it comes to giving employees various benefits.
For example, game developer Pearl Abyss provides its employees with house cleaning services and pet insurance policies. Employees with pets can receive insurance benefits for up to three pets for their medical services. They can also apply for monthly house cleaning services.
Yanolja, a travel and booking app, gives its employees a daily allowance of 10,000 Korean won (around $9) for food delivery.
