Understanding what determines employee morale is an important factor in maintaining a productive and motivated workforce. While many companies focus on employee benefits and team-building exercises, the fundamental aspects that can significantly improve morale are often 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 Advice Members share crucial, but sometimes overlooked, keys that will keep employee morale high in the long term.
1. Distribute rewards fairly
It is important that rewards are distributed fairly. Leaders must ensure that everything from recognition to salary is equal, with clear guidelines and enforcement of those guidelines. – rocky romance, 3SIXTY Management Services, LLC
2. Be human and vulnerable
Leaders need to understand how to be human in front of their teams. Some say they understand, but often their actions and language say otherwise. As leaders, we occupy unique positions in our organizations that can cause us to feel isolated from our teams. We forget the need to be vulnerable, allowing our teams to find ways to support us as much as we support them. Mutual support boosts morale. – Justin Boone, Untitled future
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3. Provide frequent and effective communication
When you think you’ve done all you can to communicate the company’s mission, purpose and strategy, do more. Transparent and effective communication is essential to ensure employees feel connected and recognized by management and their peers. With the shift to remote and hybrid work, frequent executive communications across all channels fosters a sense of purpose that can drive business performance. – Carla Bourque, Rename
4. Implement an equity plan
Employees want to be involved in daily decision-making, ideas and improvements. We often use an equity plan to better align employees, employers and founders. Companies that include some element of employee ownership have better retention rates, higher staff morale and often increased productivity and profitability. Helping employees build long-term wealth is highly valued. – Craig West, Capitalize
5. Appreciate and praise
Don’t let employees assume that you consider certain positions more important than others. Instead, make sure everyone on the team feels appreciated and their work is praised. Nothing lowers motivation more than feeling unable to contribute. Your job as a leader is to make sure your employees know their work matters, regardless of their position. – Ivan Popov, VIP Studio
6. Foster a positive culture
Management’s communication of vision and strategy can be inspiring, but employee morale around execution depends on culture. Morale is highest when the company consistently introduces programs that generate excitement, and each new offering promises to continue that history. Success is greatest when the company regularly monitors and nurtures employee morale through metrics like Net Culture Score. – Jerry Cahn, Age brilliantly
7. Prioritize satisfaction and well-being
Employees who feel valued, recognized and appreciated are likely to remain motivated and engaged. Leaders who prioritize employee satisfaction and well-being can cultivate a welcoming environment in which employees can thrive, leading to better performance, higher productivity and, ultimately, a healthier organization. efficient. Don’t underestimate the power of happy employees, because 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 development. If you only contact them when something goes wrong every time you contact them, they may perceive it as a negative interaction. Recognizing the good work they have done will improve their perception of the workplace and their confidence will be significantly boosted. – Rachel Gomes, Staff
9. Say “Thank you”
Leaders must recognize and recognize employees’ efforts and show appreciation. Although often overlooked, a simple “thank you” or recognition of achievements boosts morale, promotes engagement and improves overall job satisfaction, which can be more powerful than financial incentives. – Trey Ferro, One-time pet insurance
10. Keep your morale high
Set an example by maintaining good morale. Employees and most humans often mirror the enthusiasm shown by their leaders. If you are upset, annoyed, or depressed, this negative energy will resonate throughout your organization. If you want your employees to be motivated, energetic and positive, set an example with a quick referral that can be noticed and followed up on. – Dr David Lenihan, Health of the Tiber
11. Recognition of their efforts
Effective business leaders must always recognize that recognizing and appreciating their employees is an essential factor in maintaining high morale. This practice not only improves team morale, but also cultivates a positive work culture, fostering increased employee motivation and loyalty. – Pavel Stepanov, Virtudesk
12. Stay open and transparent
Leaders often overlook the power of transparent communication to maintain employee morale. Keeping staff informed, especially during difficult times, builds trust and community. Lack of openness can lead to rumors and low morale. Clear and honest communication promotes engagement and resilience – Anuraag Sunder, Aon
13. Understand how everyone gets energy
A key aspect that leaders may overlook in maintaining employee morale is the importance of understanding how each individual obtains their energy. To do this, we understand each employee’s Meyers Briggs personality type. This allows us to practice a personalized approach to communication which is crucial to maintaining morale. – Eran Mizrahi, brothers ingredients
14. Show your appreciation
One thing leaders need to understand to maintain employee morale is the importance of consistent positive recognition. The simple act of appreciation shows your team how much they are valued and cherished. When employees see their colleagues recognized, it fosters 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 recognition. Recognizing employees’ hard work and accomplishments 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, fostering a culture of respect and valuing each 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 focus a lot on personal relationships. So, whenever I feel like morale is low or people are tired, I make it a point to communicate one-on-one. It could be a chat over coffee, a quick message on Slack, or something as simple as sending a funny GIF. I do whatever it takes to let someone know that they are taking up space in my mind and in my day. – Arthur Bretschneider, Seniorly, Inc.
17. Speak and act positively
Never give negative feedback. Speak and act positively, and always follow the mantra “appreciate and thank first”. There’s a difference between saying, “It’s not working” and “I know you’ve invested a lot, but I’m asking you to go the extra mile.” Leaders often forget this basic mantra because of pressure, but with it, you will never see your employees depressed. – Raj Maddula, Squirrels of the world
18. Address Workload Issues
A crucial aspect that leaders should understand, but sometimes overlook, is the importance of workload management in maintaining employee morale. Overburdening employees with excessive tasks and responsibilities can quickly damage their morale, regardless of other incentives or rewards. Recognizing and addressing workload issues is critical to ensuring long-term employee morale remains high. – Neha Naik, RecruitGyan
19. Show confidence
One aspect that leaders often overlook is the importance of demonstrating trust in their employees. When leaders openly show confidence in the abilities of their team members, 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. – Marc Snell, Plumbing, heating and air conditioning Polestar
20. Give your employees a voice
Get employee input on strategic company issues. Also empower them to make decisions for themselves. This will make them feel like they matter and are part of a bigger picture. – Abdulmuhsen Fakih, Systematize it