The Company Boss: How to Keep the Morale of Your Employees in Good Standing

Lizzie Weakley

January 27, 2015

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Maintaining high employee morale is essential to being a supervisor or boss. Employees with good morale will be more productive, produce lower turnover, and even be healthier. However, morale is such an abstract concept that many employers have no idea where to begin with creating and maintaining high employee morale. Here are a few ideas that should keep your employees happy and working hard.

1. Remind them of a higher purpose. All work benefits other people. Your employees need to be reminded of this on a regular basis. This does not apply just to charities; a landscaping business, for example, allows people an outdoor space to enjoy with their families and gives homeowners more pride in their property. Identify how your employees are helping others in tangible and less tangible ways; make sure they know that their work improves lives.

2. Celebrate milestones. Humans love to celebrate holidays, met goals, and other milestones. We never lose our inner child that is delighted with a party. In addition, celebrations are a great way to develop friendship and bonds between people. Most areas have a variety of company party venues available, with packages that cover decorations and food. Whether you want an elaborate sit down dinner, a cocktail party, or a simple breakfast buffet, there is sure to be something that matches your budget and your corporate culture.

3. Change up the routine. Casual Friday, Game Jersey days, and Halloween all have something in common: they are a fun change from the daily routine. It costs nothing to have special days such as this that offer a fun diversion and keep morale high. Having a meeting at a coffee shop makes it more fun and often leads to even better ideas. People function best when they are jolted out of the robotic motions of daily life.

4. Be flexible when you can. Nothing lowers morale so much as feeling that one's boss is arbitrary and uncaring. It's important to be as flexible as possible in areas that do not affect productivity and profit. Letting an employee change their work hours one day to attend a child's game, for example, makes them feel that you personally care about their work-life balance. Little things mean a lot.

These are just a few ideas for raising employee morale and keeping it high. Whatever your budget, there are always ways to make your employees feel appreciated and to keep your workplace full of laughter and fun.