Employee Morale Myths Debunked
Employee morale is key to the success of any organization. When employees are happy and feel appreciated, they are more productive and more likely to stay with the company.
In this blog post, we will discuss what employee morale is, how to measure it, and what affects it. We will also discuss ways to boost employee morale and make your workplace a happier place!
What is employee morale?
Employee morale definition is the overall attitude and satisfaction of employees with their job. When employees are happy and satisfied with their work, they are more likely to be productive and engaged in their work. On the other hand, when employee morale is low, it can lead to absenteeism, a decrease in productivity and an increase in turnover.
It is arrogant to assume that the employee boosting strategy is one-size-fits-all. The key is understanding what motivates each employee. Every employee is different and the best way to motivate — is the one desired by them.
Let’s keep reading.
Is it measurable?
- One way is to conduct surveys or Employee Satisfaction Surveys (ESATs). This allows you to collect data from employees about their satisfaction with their job, workload, co-workers, and other factors that affect morale.
- Another way to measure workplace morale is to observe employees and look for signs of low morale, such as increased absenteeism, poor work quality, negative attitudes or friction among team members.
- An effective and direct way is to conduct one-on-one interviews to see what employees think about their work, co-workers, managers, and the organization. Document the information from the interviews and look for patterns and trends over time.
What causes employee morale to dwindle?
- Low job satisfaction
- Increased workload
- Unfair pay & benefits
- Misaligned company values
- Abrasive relationships with co-workers
- Lack of recognition or incentives
- Lack of growth or opportunities
- Toxic work culture
- Poor leadership
When any of these factors are not up to par, it can lead to a drop in employee morale.
Myth busting & building morale
Now that we’ve covered why employee spirit matters so much, let’s break some common myths around employee morale & discuss ways to boost it.
| Myth | Busted |
|---|---|
| “Money is the only motivating factor” |
Employees care about purpose, growth & learning more than you think. Provide opportunities for them to learn new skills and grow in their careers. This could be done through training programs or by offering opportunities to cross-train in other departments. |
| “Top performers don’t need motivation” |
Recognize and reward employees for their hard work. This could be done through a formal recognition program or simply by saying “thank you” more often. As humans, we all love to be appreciated. |
| “Managers being hands-on guarantees the best result” |
Not always. Finding a balance between autonomy & accountability is crucial. Some despise being micro-managed while others thrive under accountability. Establish clear & fair boundaries to support both sides. |
| “Employee morale is too ambiguous & difficult to understand” |
When you want to know, you need only ask. Invite employee feedback & show them you’re listening – they will feel heard and are far more likely to be motivated. You also must act on some of the feedback if not all. And be sure to thank your employees for sending in their thoughts and suggestions. |
| “Employees don’t need to know everything” |
This isn’t the case. What most employees want is a deep sense of purpose and true respect for their contributions & aspirations. They need meaningful opportunities to build projects that create an impact. |
| “It’s all in the mind” |
People draw inspiration & motivation from around them. Dreary, windowless office interiors can be quite depressing. Spruce up your office space with greenery, and get indoor plants that are easy maintenance to add some life & colour. |
| “Employee upliftment is a task” |
|
Employee morale in remote work
Employee morale is essential for any business, but it can be especially challenging to maintain in a remote work environment. Without the face-to-face interactions that occur in a traditional office setting, it can be challenging to build a sense of camaraderie and team spirit. Additionally, remote employees may feel isolated and disconnected from their colleagues, which can lead to lower morale.
However, there are a few key things that businesses can do to support employee morale in a remote setting. For example –
- Regular check-ins and virtual social events can help employees stay connected to their colleagues.
- Providing adequate training and resources can help employees feel supported in their work.
- It’s important to create opportunities for social interaction and connection, whether that means occasional video chats or weekly check-ins.
- Managers should try to be flexible and understanding when it comes to employee schedules and workloads.
- It’s helpful to offer incentives and recognition for a job well done, even if it’s just a simple thank-you note.
By taking these steps, you can help create a positive work environment that will boost employee morale – and ultimately lead to better work performance even when everyone is working remotely.
Bottom line
The importance of workplace morale cannot be overstated. When employees feel taken care of and supported by their company, it fosters intrinsic motivation which in turn creates a space where they can perform at peak levels. Empathy, appreciation, upskilling, and their holistic well-being are crucial factors that will keep them from jumping ship.
It’s no secret that when employee morale is low, it can be challenging to get work done. That’s why it’s important for business owners to take steps to boost employee morale whenever possible. Happy employees contribute to a productive and successful organization.
Stop imposing your idea of employee morale and start listening to your employees more. They are telling you what they want in words and actions. By taking the time to understand what your employees want, you will be well on your way to creating a happy and productive workplace!
