The best morale exists when you never hear the word mentioned. When you hear a lot of talk about it, it’s usually lousy. – Dwight EisenhowerMoral is a state of mind. It is steadfastness and courage and hope. – Louis L. MannMorale is self-esteem in action. – Avery Weisman
These days, morale may be the one thing that’s failing as much as the economy. With long-term employment uncertainty, many are not unenthusiastic about their jobs and/or their employers. And if you’re stressed about the economy and how it may impact your business, chances are your employees sense that and are on edge as a result. All this will negatively influence your business and its ability to satisfy clients.In this two-part series we will share 10 inexpensive tips that will help you boost employee morale. Here we examine the first 5 tips:
1. Redesign the break room.
This doesn’t mean you have to hire an interior designer and refurbish your break room with leather furniture. But you should consider ways to make it more inviting. Can you paint it a brighter color, hang pictures on the wall, and add some greenery? Perhaps you can outfit a refrigerator or cabinet with complimentary snacks.
2. Consider adding an exercise room.
If you have the space you may consider creating an exercise room that employees can use after hours or during their breaks. Not only does exercise promote good feelings, but it will tell them that you care enough about them to invest in their health. Look for discounted exercise equipment or, if you can’t yet afford that, fill the room with yoga mats and a couple exercise balls.
3. Promote community service.
I once had an employer that encouraged all employees to participate in community service twice a year. One activity involved helping Habitat for Humanity build a home for a local family. My employer paid for my time and it generated good feelings for both my community and my employer. It also developed a sense of teamwork with coworkers.
4. Add Pizza Fridays to your schedule.
For very little money, you can spring for lunch one or two times a month. Everyone likes free food, and the time employees spend together chatting while they eat will likely generate more positive feelings in the office.
5. Provide free professional seminars.
When you enable your employees to enhance their careers or their lifestyles, you can’t help but boost their morale and their feelings towards you as an employer. There are many local professionals who would be happy to speak for free in order to promote their services (investment planning, stress relief, time management, etc.).
Boosting employee morale doesn’t have to break the bank. With a little money, some creativity and thoughtful planning, you can provide your employees with valuable perks that will enhance their feelings about you and your business.Return next week when we will share the final five tips on inexpensive ways to boost employee morale:
6. Schedule a monthly movie date.
7. Promote family parties.
8. Provide free continental breakfasts.
9. Award free car washes.
10. Consider providing free professional training.
Let Universal Complement Your Efforts
We all need a pick-me-up every now and then. Universal Accounting Center has some exceptional speakers on staff who can motivate you and your team to excel. With a number of individuals experienced in a variety of topics, they can help you better serve your clients, better market your practice, and better grow your wealth. It may be just the thing that will boost their spirits and encourage employee morale. Learn more about Universal Accounting Center’s speaker and book one for your next event!ReferencesMintzer, Rich. “20 Low-Cost Employee Perks.” 8 December 2006. Entrepreneur.comStillman, Jessica. “Six Low Cost Ways to Beat Google Envy.” 13 February 2009. Bnet.com
