06 Jan Nine Tactics to Boost Morale
The holiday season is behind us and so it’s back to work once again. The summer seems so far away and it is easy for employees to feel a bit down in the dumps. One of a manager’s most important jobs is to keep spirits up in the workplace. With stress levels in Corporate America at an all-time high, this isn’t always easy to do. However, there are some strategies you can use that will get the job done – without hurting your budget.
* Sponsor a “Noon Movie.” Once a week (depending on employee schedules), set up a DVD player in the breakroom and show a funny movie during lunch. If time is limited, show reruns of “The Office” or other situation comedies.
* Set up a “Humor Corner.” Designate one section of the office as the place for humor, and encourage employees to post cartoons, jokes, or other funny material.
* Get out of the office! Whenever possible, hold meetings outside the office – at the coffee shop down the street or at a local restaurant. If weather permits, don’t be afraid to hold meetings outside from time to time.
* Liven up your memos. By a book of one-liners, and include a joke at the bottom of your memos.
* Run a “Guess the Baby” contest. Ask the staff to bring in baby photos and post them on a wall. Award a free lunch to the employee who can guess who’s who.
* Have “Late Day Mondays.” If possible, once a month allow your employees to arrive an hour late on a Monday morning – or leave an hour early on a Friday.
* Take pictures! Every office has an aspiring photographer. Ask that person to take candid shots of employees, and add them to the “Humor Corner.”
* Play with the dress code. If your culture allows it, hold an “Ugly Tie,” “Ugly Pants,” or “Ugly Sweater” day. Award prizes for the “winners.”
* Bring your smile to work. You’ll be surprised at the difference it makes. If the manager consistently has an upbeat attitude, the staff will as well.