Having to cut costs doesn’t mean having to cut morale. Here are 10 quick ways to boost employee morale at no cost:
1. A Promotion And New Title Boost Morale And Possibly Productivity.
Give employees a psychological raise and bonus that costs nothing: a promotion. Of course, normal managerial criteria for promotions should factor into the equation – e.g., value added to the company, team spirit, unique skill sets, a “pitch in for any project” attitude and the like. But promoting someone can not only improve their spirits, but give that employee a stellar professional reputation they’ll want to live up to – and s/he might be more productive because of it.
2. Give Employees A Stake In Controlling Costs.
Make employees feel empowered by giving them a stake in controlling costs. Announce at a staff meeting that cutting internal costs by 10 percent across the board, for example, will ensure that employee benefits aren’t affected. Then ask them for suggestions. Knowing that they can help control the belt-tightening process and help preserve the benefits they receive can serve as a powerful incentive and motivational tool.
3. Flex Your Schedules.
Telecommuting is an obvious choice for some, but not for all. It’s highly situational. But offering flex schedules to help employees work around child care time constraints, for example, can make employees more productive. And if an employee works one or two days a month from home, s/he saves money on commuting, helps your company go greener, and saves on everything from supplies to energy use when not in the office.
4. Create A Contest.
Make trimming the budget fun – create an award, or series of awards, that can range from a “Certificate of Achievement” to a small prize of a coffee shop gift card, for the employee who offers the best cost-savings ideas.
5. Praise A Job Done Well And A Job Well Done.
Dale Carnegie once said, “Be hearty in your approbation and lavish in your praise.” Praise employees for good performances on the job. This sense of feeling appreciated and valued is critical, especially during tough economic times, and does wonders for self-esteem.
6. Give Employees A Choice:
Let’s say you have to cut certain benefits, increase insurance premiums, or require extra hours. Instead of mandating which new measures will be implemented, why not come up with six options, for instance, and empower employees by allowing them to choose which three of those six work best for their situation? This again gives them a stake in the process.
7. This Too Shall Pass.
As the adage goes, “Tough times never last, but tough people do.” Show, rather than tell, employees how you’re doing everything you can to cut costs first in areas that don’t affect their compensation or benefits. This will both provide an incentive for them to be thrifty with office supplies and by extension help your company make it through this economic downturn.
8. Provide Social Outlets For Workers.
Start a staff softball team, invite people to participate in a 5K walk/fun run, or devote a day to a voluntourism project.
9. Provide Opportunities For Professional Development.
Chances are your organization includes professional experts in niche business areas in which others might want to learn more. Have your group sales department, for instance, give a 10-minute presentation at the next staff meeting about what they do that the rest of the company may not know. Then go to marketing, sales, meeting planning and others until each department has had a chance to give a presentation. Everyone will learn something, and people will get a refresher course in public speaking.
10. Offer Themed Casual Days.
Most companies offer casual Fridays. Why not make them theme-specific? A beach day, a disco day, an ‘80s retro day, and other creative ideas can give employees a boost in morale by fostering team spirit.