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Is Our Small Business Lacking Employee Morale?

John McMalcolm

August 26, 2013

Employee morale is something that is often overlooked, but it can have a significant effect on the success of your small business.

If you want to get the best out of your employees, you need to learn how to diagnose and solve morale problems.

Signs of Low Employee Morale

Low employee morale can easily go unnoticed if you do not know how to identify it. If you are unsure whether or not your employees are losing enthusiasm, try to look for the following signs:

• high employee turnover rate

• declining work quality

• increased frequency of errors

• work needs to be redone frequently

• lack of enthusiasm

• excessive tardiness and absenteeism

• complaints from customers

• disputes among staff

Consequences of Low Employee Morale

When your employees are experiencing low morale, they will be less focused and interested in their work. This can lead to a decline in productivity and work quality, which can undermine the efficiency, profitability and reputation of your company.

Un-enthusiastic employees may also make more mistakes and behave in a way that displeases your customers, resulting in loss of sales.

Also, morale problems can create an unhappy working environment and make it more difficult for your employees to work together harmoniously. Like a contagious disease, low employee morale can spread very fast and cripple the growth of your business if it is left unattended.

How to Fix Low Employee Morale?

Review Managers

Poor leadership is one of the main causes of low employee morale.

In a survey, more than 73 percent of dissatisfied employees said that managers are the ones to blame for their morale problems. If your employees are unhappy, you should review your managers and other leaders.

Delegate Tasks Appropriately

Low employee morale can also be a result of overwork and stress.

If you find that some of your employees are doing too much work, consider transferring some of their responsibilities to other employees who have lighter workloads.

Inject Fun into the Workplace

A fun workplace can certainly improve employee morale.

There are many things you can do to add fun to your workplace, including weekly catered lunch or early dismissal on Fridays.

Recognize Your Employees' Efforts

When your employees feel not appreciated, they will become less enthusiastic about their work.

You can show them that you recognize their efforts by sending them appreciative notes or small gifts after they have made significant contributions to your company.

<b>Minimize Workplace Negativity</b>

If some of your employees are causing conflict or spreading gossips in the workplace, you should speak to them individually.

Ask them why they are dissatisfied and what you can do to improve the situation.

Identify Your Employees' Strengths and Weaknesses

Your employees will find greater satisfaction in their work if they are given new opportunities and challenges.

You can help them realize their true potential by giving them a promotion, transferring them to a different department or sending them to a training course or seminar.

By following the tips above, you can create a spirited and high-performing workforce that can take your business to new heights.

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