Improving employee morale can not only increase productivity but can also be a great way to improve retention and create an enjoyable workplace. Morale can be affected by many factors. These are issues or conflicts that may cause undesirable working conditions or change that may affect employees. This could be new supervisors or policies, an increase in workload or shift in responsibilities or conflicts with other co-workers. Although decisions must be made with the business in mind, it’s equally important to consider how these changes will effect the workforce.

The first step to improve the overall morale is to determine what is causing the stress or conflict. This can be done by meeting with the employees and asking for honest feedback as to what they may feel is keeping them from being at their peak potential. Also, observing the work area and how people interact may also give indications as to what has gone wrong. Regardless of what method is best suited for finding the root cause, this must be don’t before a plan of action can be developed to improve the working environment. http://www.entrepreneur.com/humanresources/employeemanagementcolumnistdavidjavitch/article82710.html

Once you have properly identified the areas that need attention, the next step is to develop a plan to begin encouraging a more relaxed and enjoyable atmosphere. This can be done while still maintaining a professional appearance and attitude. Then, execute the plan and follow up regularly to ensure that it is developing better work habits and interaction amongst the staff.

The first step to improving employee morale is to identify what could be the cause for their decrease in productivity or poor attitudes. The simplest way to find out what the problem might be is to ask. Having an honest conversation will not only show that you are interested in finding a solution, but that you are willing to listen and care to improve their working environment.

You may also consider having a meeting to discuss some of the changes that will be occurring. By addressing these changes in person, you are allowing your employees to ask questions and begin to understand why these changes may be necessary. If you simple communicate this in an emailor message board, they may not respond as well. It will also show that you are interested to hear what they have to say and begin to develop approachability if it is not already present. http://www.sideroad.com/Customer_Service/improve-employee-morale.html

Last, invite those that you have observed in conflict to have a discussion with you to resolve whatever may be causing their frustration. You may find that it is only one or two employees that spread their emotional dissatisfaction throughout the office. By addressing the situation with these employees you are addressing the root of the problem.

Now that you have identified your problem, what will you do to fix it? There are several ways that you can turn a boring and non-productive office into one that will thrive and work to achieve and surpass the goals that they are given. Incentives are perhaps the most rewarding method to improving morale. Of course everyone working there does so for the paycheck, but perhaps an extra pat on the back or friendly contest will lighten the mood. These can be large incentives which can be rewarded to top performers, or small incentives that can be handed out throughout the day. It will be necessary to determine what reward is appropriate for which behavior based upon the working environment. http://www.wisegeek.com/how-can-i-improve-employee-morale.htm

This may be as simple as just saying thank you at the end of the day. No one wants to feel that their hard work goes unnoticed. Be sure to recognize when employees excel at a project or do an exceptional job. http://www.entrepreneur.com/humanresources/employeemanagementcolumnistdavidjavitch/article82710.html

You may have to get creative, but if productivity is up and your employees are smiling, then it will certainly be worth it. Another very simple way to improve morale, is to dig in and get your hands dirty. Work side by side and build a rapport with your staff to increase communication.

Follow up is the most important aspect of proper execution. It is essential to evaluate your progress and determine if you need to change anything in order to continue improving. To evaluate the progress of increasing morale, talk to your employees. Do they seen to be happier? Are they laughing or are they still sulking around? Based on your findings, do you need to take a different course of action? These are types of questions you should be asking throughout the follow up process.

Once you have determined that the working conditions are improving, remember that just because you were successful, doesn’t mean that it is acceptable to move on from this. To maintain a high level of morale, you will need to continue to be observant of the office or working area and watch and listen to your employees for signs that the morale is slipping again. You’ll then need to follow the steps outlined here to determine what new action, if any, is needed.

You may want to consider developing regular activities or incentives to head off a dip in morale before it starts. Celebrate successes and encourage learning for tasks that are completed incorrectly. Remember these tips. http://www.hrworld.com/features/15-ways-boost-employee-morale/

1. Share changes and other business information in person to allow time for clarification.
2. Be open to feedback and pay attention to the attitudes throughout the office.
3. Address conflicts as they occur and do not allow one frustrating situation to affect the entire office.