I recently presented a teamwork seminar to a group who already work well together as a team. Why in the world would management invite me to discuss improving team work with a team that works? Because that’s how championship teams are built. The morale at your establishment may be extraordinary; folks may be waiting in line to join your team. Even so, it can be improved, and it’s more likely that morale isn’t perfect. Here are four methods to improve morale in the workplace.

Offer Continuing Training

So, if you want positive morale in the workplace you need to help people feel good about themselves. What better way to invest in a team member, and support a positive image of themselves, than to provide valuable training. Because, whether training is in-house or outsourced, whether it’s a local community college course, or a leadership development class conducted by senior staff, the bottom line is showing you care enough to offer training improves morale.

Give Recognition

Most people thrive on recognition; some can’t function without it, and everyone appreciates it. I once had a manager tell me recognition was over-rated because he did his job and he never got recognized for it, although it did bother him. I looked at him and said, “Exactly my point.” You should recognize positive behavior and character at every deserving opportunity. Individual and team accomplishments, job improvement, and completed training should be supported and cheered. If you want to see morale improve, acknowledge people when they’ve done a good job.

Have Some Fun

You don’t have to create fun at the expense of completing work. Some of the most fun I’ve ever had at work was completing a tough task on time. Friendly competition against teammates, brainstorming sessions, and problem solving can be fun. Evidence abounds supporting frequent short breaks as an efficient method of getting the best work completed on time. So, take a break and enjoy it. Break up the routine, make work into a game, support a local charity as a group, have an outing, throw a pitch-in lunch — have fun.

Bust Those Silos

The more you know … plays well in the workplace. Because one of the triggers of poor workplace morale is the inability for departments to support each other and work well together. It fosters animosity that spreads from the top of the department down. The key to breaking this spiral is communication. When departments understand each other’s responsibilities and challenges, it translates to a better understanding of how they interact and affect each other. If you want to improve morale, improve interdepartmental understanding and communication.

There are hundreds of methods and means to improve morale including, employee surveys, production bonuses, wellness programs, flex time, and more. Some call for financial investments others a commitment in time. But many, such as sharing recognition, take little more than thoughtful consideration. Have you thought about improving the morale in your workplace? What’s your plan?

How Can I Help You?

I like to help people and organizations, but I have three criteria I consider before taking an assignment – I believe in what the organization stands for, I know I can help, and it looks like fun. If you have any questions, Contact Me. 

So, does your business have a  management training plan? Because, if not, many organizations, large and small, use my book, The New Manager’s Workbook a crash course in effective management, as the basis for their leadership development program. Check it out.