Employee morale can be the canary in the corporate coal mine. Back in the early 20th century, no miner would venture underground without that little yellow bird going first. Because canaries breathe faster than human miners, they show signs of carbon monoxide poisoning before miners do. When the bird took a turn for the worse, miners knew everything else in the mine would go downhill soon after.
Like the canary, employee morale is something employers need to keep an eye on. “Morale in the workplace may not be tangible, yet it affects every aspect of your business,” says Eric Sugar, president of LineZero. “It is directly linked to employee engagement, which in turn impacts your company’s bottom line.”
What is employee morale?
Employee morale is the degree to which employees are pleased with their work and work environment. Morale goes hand in hand with employee engagement, which stems from an individual’s feelings about their job or company and how much they enjoy what they do. Employees who are engaged feel good about where they work and want to contribute more meaningfully towards its success.
When employees feel valued, appreciated, and engaged, morale is high. This means they will go above and beyond in their work, and are more likely to stay with the company long-term and recommend it to others. In short, boosting employee morale improves a business’s retention rates and bottom line.
Open communication is linked to employee morale
Maintaining morale requires open and honest dialogue. Effective leaders meet regularly with employees to communicate vision, discuss goals and problems, set clear expectations, and provide constructive feedback. Because they know that communication is a two-way street, they also create an open environment where employees feel comfortable raising issues or concerns.
When workers share their thoughts and opinions, they gain a sense of agency. In fact, according to Forbes, when employees feel their voices are heard, they are almost five times more likely to feel empowered to produce their best work.
“To promote open channels for communication, set regular meetings to share what is working well and to discuss areas that could be improved,” suggests Sugar. “The more involved employees feel, the more invested they become in their work.”
Effective leadership is vital for employee morale
Employees feel empowered and valued when leaders are transparent and authentic. These types of leaders encourage employees, provide feedback, and set a positive example.
Effective leaders ensure everyone has the equipment and supplies they need to succeed in their work, but also offer mentoring and coaching that enables employees to advance and grow. When employees are ready, these leaders are there with training courses, certifications, and career development opportunities.
When leaders demonstrate a lack of faith in employees through a tendency to micromanage, employees become disillusioned and disengaged because they feel demoralized and lack motivation. “Building trust takes time,” says Sugar, “but it is absolutely worth the effort. If you do what it takes to raise employee morale, you will reap the rewards for years to come.”
Recognition impacts employee morale
Employees who are appreciated are more likely to experience a sense of community and dedication to their work. Recognition is an important part of employee morale, but it’s not always about money, and it doesn’t have to be formal or public.
Sometimes a simple thank you from a manager or supervisor is all employees need. According to research conducted by Reward Gateway, 75% of workers reported an increase in motivation and morale when managers expressed gratitude more frequently.
Work/life balance is key to employee morale
Motivating workers also requires encouraging them to maintain a balance between their personal and professional lives. Employees who are appreciated are more likely to experience a sense of community and dedication to their work.
When managers acknowledge the need for work/life balance and implement practices to help employees achieve it, employees feel valued. “Encourage your employees to take care of their families, engage in personal hobbies, and do things that make a difference in the world,” advises Sugar. “If you recognize that your employees are individuals with lives outside your company and make an effort to assist them in striking a healthy work-life balance, they won’t forget it. In one compassionate act, you can demonstrate an awareness of the distinction between the two spheres in their lives and the boundaries between them.”
When workers are certain that their needs will be met, they feel like valued team members and become more committed to the success of the business. For example, if employees need time off to care for family members or recover from surgery, they are unable to concentrate on the work at hand. A wise leader gives them the time they need, and allows them to return stronger than before. In these situations, many employers offer flexible work arrangements or allow employees to work from home or remotely.
Meaningful work has a bearing on employee morale
Workplace morale is greatly affected by the work employees do. After all, most employees seek work that challenges them without overwhelming them because they crave meaningful work that makes them feel part of something bigger than themselves.
“Occasionally, workers have to do things they are not thrilled to do,” admits Sugar. “However, we can make even the most mundane jobs more enjoyable for employees if we take into account the work environment.”
Employee morale is the key indicator of a thriving workforce. “If you’ve had the opportunity to work in a place where employees are happy and engaged, then you know what a difference it makes,” Sugar concludes. “The opposite is also true: when staff morale is low, productivity suffers, and business takes a hit. Boosting workplace morale is not just about making your employees happy — it’s about improving your business’s bottom line. If you’re looking for ways to boost your employees’ enthusiasm and increase productivity in the workplace, start by paying attention and listening when they share what matters most.”