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Ideas to Boost Employee Morale |
starr1
Joined: Nov 16, 2006
Posts: 22 |  Posted: 2007-07-24 07:46
Hello Everyone!
I am interested in boosting our employee morale at my firm and wanted to get your feedback and suggestions. I was thinking of doing "Sundae Day" or maybe a "Bake Sale Day" where we have cupcakes for our employees.
It has to be affordable (roughly 350 employees) but a little something can mean alot! Just a little something to give our employees and food is always one of the best ways.
Any other good yet feasible ideas? Yes, I know bonuses work but that's in November.
Thanks in advance.
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hrpob
Joined: Nov 01, 2006
Posts: 227 | Posted: 2007-07-24 11:11
Flexible work schedules is something that can work. Treating employees with dignity and respect is important. I'd also conduct an employee satisfaction survey to let the employees tell you why their morale is low and what could be implemented to improve their work situations. Just realize there are always going to be negative people. And no matter what you do for them it will never be enough. I really don't think, ice cream, cupcakes, or pizza are effective morale boosters. They are nice treats to be sure -- but not good motivation.
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lesallan
Joined: Apr 16, 2007
Posts: 108 | Posted: 2007-07-25 01:09
Unless employee morale is low because they aren’t getting enough cupcakes, your efforts, I suspect, will meet with very limited success. More seriously though, if morale is low because people are lacking opportunities to interact socially, then running social activities will meet with some success. However, I suspect that you haven’t done a proper diagnosis and are just guessing, and then clutching at straws.
As hrprob suggested, you could conduct a satisfaction/engagement survey as part of the diagnosis. Or you could run focus groups, review exit interviews, check the complaints register or just put your ear to the grapevine. A lot of work has been done in recent years in finding out what leads to high levels of employee engagement. You could look up the work of Towers Perrin, Hewitt, Gallup and BlessingWhite on Google for starters.
Poor morale and disengagement can come from one or more areas. Some are:
-can’t see the big picture
-poor or infrequent performance feedback
-lack of resources to do the job properly
-perceived inequities (pay, promotion)
-lack of vision and purpose from exec team
-lack of social belonging
-job is boring
I’d suggest doing a proper diagnosis first before jumping into action. The challenge with providing an “antidote” before you know the illness is that the more perceptive of your employees will feel patronized, leading to even greater disillusionment.
Les Allan
Author: Managing Change in the Workplace
Business Performance Pty Ltd
http://www.businessperform.com
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mayafoxr
Joined: Jun 05, 2007
Posts: 9 | Posted: 2007-07-26 12:56
I think that everyone above me is assuming that starr1 is asking for advice to boost morale because morale is low. There is the possibility that this user just wants to do something nice for the employees!
I like your ideas about cupcakes. My boss bring in donuts occasionally and I can say that boost my morale a little!
In terms of the types of food to provide, it's important to keep in mind that some employees may have allergies, may be diabetic, or may be on diets. Instead of bringing in just cupcakes, also bring in fruit and sugar-free snacks as well.
I would also recommend conducting an informal survey of the staff (informal as in asking at the water cooler) of what they would like.
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HRtires
Joined: Aug 03, 2007
Posts: 13 | Posted: 2007-08-03 12:57
I believe that employee recognition is key when trying to boost morale. We are doing a summer recognition program now where each of our branches nominates 1 employee per month for something outstanding they have done. They send HR a nomination form with a photo of the employee. At the end of the month, HR sends out an email and posting with a picture and description of every employee nominated PLUS they are all entered into a drawing for the grand prize... a $200 bonus. It's a good way for all of these oustanding employees to be recognized for what they do plus they have a chance at a grand prize.
I also think providing lunch, sundaes, etc. are good ways to boost morale. But after a while of that, they may need something else.
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HRmngr
Joined: Feb 07, 2008
Posts: 5 | Posted: 2008-02-07 09:20
I have to agree with HRtires. Bonuses are wonderful.Here is another idea or two. Employees recognized as employee of the month recieve their own parking place, a gas card, and recognized on a special posting board.Also-Employees that sign up and willing to come into work for other employees who called off--get their name put into a bowl every time they work within the month, a name gets drawn for a cash bonus. Also we send out a birthday card to each and everyone of our staff with a wal-mart gift card. Of course dollar amount is up to you and your business.
Hope these help in some boosting too!
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sarahmadras
Joined: May 28, 2008
Posts: 6 | Posted: 2008-06-03 20:43
Creative & fun employee recognition/incentive is one way to achieve your desired goals. With recent gas prices rising, i'm giving away gas cards of various amounts depending on certain factors that are being met by employees. Its working great and i can certainly feel the increased morale.
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mzbebol
Joined: Nov 25, 2008
Posts: 1 | Posted: 2008-11-25 22:56
I introduced a "Duvet Day" it's one day a quarter that they can take off for no reason, it was a real hit with my staff. They really disliked having to take a day of annual leave to wait on a delivery or a service repairman so they use the Duvet Day, and although they can take it once a quarter, they rarely take it every quarter.
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BoyceDuvall
Joined: Nov 26, 2008
Posts: 1 | Posted: 2008-11-26 14:24
If you looking to mantain or raise employee morale. Do not provide gimmicks such as employee of the month, etc. They do more harm than good--insult to those that did not get picked.
The truly great morale builders are based on the fundmentals that can be sustained.
For instance, pay bonuses quarterly or at least twice a year. Employees like short- term rewards
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lda
Joined: Jul 10, 2007
Posts: 201 | Posted: 2008-12-11 08:08
I agree that no amount of cupcakes and certificates can make up for a bad work environment. However bonuses and other costly forms of recognition simply aren't an option right now for many of us.
What would be helpful is a list of low/no cost morale builders for those of us who are looking at hiring/wage freezes, reduced holiday parties and no bonuses.
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