As small business owners, we all strive to create a workplace environment filled with positive energy. While it's easy to get lost in managing your team members day to day, remember that it's their morale that determines their quality of work. However, there are many things you're able to do to boost their morale and productivity. There's significance behind the work they accomplish and once they understand the impact, it will help them to feel valued and empowered.
Here are four ways to positively impact team morale.
1. Align your team members with your organization's values
When it comes to having a positive energy in the office, unity is the determining factor that creates a sense of morale that you seek for your team. It's easy for your team members to go on autopilot mode and complete their tasks because its their duty to do so. However, once they understand not only just what they're doing but why they're doing it, it can be incredibly motivating. For example, if integrity is one of your core values, team members should understand that their actions should consistently reflect these principles through trust and honesty. This creates an atmosphere of trust and respect within the team, where everyone feels good about each other's intentions and actions. As their values are aligned with yours, it'll naturally create a sense of pride in their work. They'll see themselves as part of something bigger than just a job, finding purpose in their everyday workflow and boosting motivation within your organization.
2. Organize team-building activities
It's no secret that team-building activities can spice up your team's day outside of usual work tasks. These activities provide opportunities for your team to connect on a personal level and strengthen each others' relationships. You may wonder why the routine collaboration tasks in the office aren't as sufficient. It's because team-building opportunities outside the workplace offer a change of scenery and dynamics. Once they're in a relaxed environment, your team will be able to enjoy working together on the activity, fostering a strong sense of connection within the team and ultimately increasing their morale when back in the office. Some common ideas that can be done outside of work are escape room challenges, volunteering events or team sporting tournaments. All of these activities are opportunities to bond and problem solve together!
3. Start a team-member recognition program
Achievements - they may not be an everyday thing. That's precisely why it's crucial to acknowledge them when they do occur within your team. Congratulating your team on certain milestones and goals that they meet is greatly appreciated, but you can take it a step further. For instance, a monthly "Employee of the Month" award where outstanding team members are publicly acknowledged for their hard work and dedication will improve the mood of the office. It could be framed within the workplace where everyone can see and take inspiration from. There are also variations that could spawn from this idea. Similarly, you could recognize individuals through certain alternative titles such as "Most Improved", "Team Player of the Month" and "Innovator of the Month" awards. The idea is to acknowledge and highlight team members who have shown significant growth in their role, demonstrated exceptional support for the team or have contributed innovative ideas that have positively impacted the organization. The feeling of being selected for these titles will be very uplifting and create a supportive environment.
4. Award performance with incentives
Incentives can be a powerful morale booster for your team. Just like we mentioned earlier about a team-member recognition program, incentives offered based on performance not only validate efforts, but also motivate team members to continue performing at their best. They also promote a sense of healthy competition and drive within the team, as individuals may strive to outperform each other in pursuit of rewards. You'll definitely have team members racing with productivity. Offering monetary bonuses, gift cards or additional paid time off are great ideas as incentives for meeting or exceeding performance targets. Once your team realizes that their hard work is directly rewarded, they'll feel more committed to the team and your business as a whole.
Productivity and efficiency aren't the only benefits from leading a team that's feeling good within themselves. Having their mood boosted can improve employee retention as well. Happy employees are more likely to stay with your organization for the long term, reducing turnover costs and the need for constant recruitment and training. From a small business owner's perspective, investing in office morale can also improve customer satisfaction as your team members are more likely to provide excellent customer service when they're in a positive mood. Take your business to the next level starting with your team first!
Author: Gary Wong
What's your favorite strategy to boost team morale?
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About Stingray Advisory Group LLC: Stingray Advisory Group LLC is based in Grand Rapids,
Michigan, and is a proud member of People First Economy and the West Michigan Hispanic Chamber of Commerce. We help businesses thrive. By improving our client's sales over 60%, reducing their expenses and boosting their engagement by 40% or more, we enable our clients to refocus on what they love.
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