6 Ways To Improve Morale At Work

Improving employee well-being and morale at work has never been more important. Many employers have ramped up their support of mental health services and promote initiatives that encourage well-being. Whilst the likes of employee support programmes and occupational health have their place in the workplace, there are other simpler steps you can also take to improve morale.

Companies with high levels of staff morale often report increased productivity and reduced costs through absence. There are countless ways improved well-being will further your business.

Here are just some ideas:

1. Explain The Why

For an employee, knowing the values and vision of the company they work for is great but understanding why they are what they are is even better. Having knowledge of why your company operates as they do will promote a sense of belonging for your staff, you are all working towards a common goal.

2. Individuality Matters

Many offices are beginning to look and feel the same, client confidentiality means strict clear desk policies and sometimes even photos of beloved pets are culled to make way for hot-desking. Where you can and within reason and policy, allow for small personalisation of working areas, the environment we sit in for eight or more hours a day really matters.

3. Blue Sky Thinking

If your office is located in such a place that a team meeting with a non-confidential agenda can take place in a grassy forecourt or a park a few minutes walk away, allow this. A little bit of fresh-air and blue skies can brighten up many employees who sit in dimly lit offices most days.

4. Keep It Fresh

Most companies that hire rise buildings won’t have windows that open. Sitting in a stuffy office all day can really increase fatigue. Invest in quality ventilation which has been proven to increase productivity.

5. Who Shot The DJ?

If you can have music, you should have music. One hit can be an instant mood booster, even if just in your lunch break or communal areas.

6. Flexibility

If you can allow flexible working you are sitting on a gem for improved morale. Allowing a colleague to work from home, slide their shift to allow for a family meal or take a short notice holiday will never go unnoticed. Make certain your management never say no for the sake of it and always look for ways to support more flexible working. According to a 2019 Forbes study, 30% of UK employees would prefer more flexible working to a pay rise.

Well-being will always have its place and supporting mental health is pivotal in growing a happy and more productive business. Whilst these often involve larger initiatives, you can start today with those 6 quick ways to improve morale. When morale is higher, your business will flourish because your staff will want to work for you, they will want to succeed, not by themselves, but alongside your company.

Next time you speak to a member of your staff, ask them for one small step your company could take in improving morale, you will be surprised at how small things can make the biggest difference to people.