The great resignation is upon us! If you are an employer, there has never been a more crucial time to ensure that your staff is happy. If fact, up to 52% of Gen Z and Millenials are considering changing their jobs, with that number dropping to 35% of Gen X and so-called “Boomers.” 

Could this happen to your business?

Well, one of the key ways to make sure that your human resources department is not scrambling to fill in unexpected vacancies is by focusing on improving employee morale. The lifeblood of any business is those working in it, so join us as we run through 3 key ways that you can create a happy and vibrant work environment. 

1. Get Them Wanting and Not Needing to Come To Work

Why do your staff get up in the morning to come to work? If the only incentive you are giving is a paycheck, then expect a high staff turnover and disillusioned employees. 

It is important to work hard at providing a welcoming and warm environment that encourages loyalty. This can be done by rewarding staff who reach their targets or initiatives that encourage downtime during work hours.

You can also start as you mean to carry on by introducing new hire swag to give a sense of identity to your business. This will help new employees to buy into your brand from the beginning.

2. More Than Words 

Employee morale can greatly be affected both positively and negatively simply by how you speak to your staff. 

Rather than feeling part of a team, not filling them in with updates, changes, or giving feedback will leave employees feeling like a number. Counter this by having clear initiatives that show that you recognize your reliance on their valuable work. This can be done in the form of regular town hall updates, newsletters, and asking for guidance on how you can improve through employee surveys and 360 appraisals.

Being transparent in this way especially if it is a discernable values change will be sure to swiftly boost employee morale.

3. Get the Balance Right

There is a time for everything, and that includes work. 

Being conscious that your employees are people with lives, families, and interests means that you can’t afford to be too hardline when it comes to personal requests.  

Flexibility is a fundamental aspect of how to improve employee morale and one that you should aim to be a leader in. 

Flexitime, options to work from home, and being reasonable when it comes to requests for time off are all hallmarks of an employer dedicated to creating a positive workspace.

But simply having the option is not enough.

If those at the top are tied to their desk and never take advantage of their holiday entitlement, then having these lifestyle perks will appear superficial in value and create an unhealthy work culture. So aim to set the example in demonstrating a good work/life balance, and you will be rewarded with employees who will work even harder when you need to get into the trenches.

Strive to Improve Employee Morale

While there are many plates to keep spinning when running a business, when you prioritize employee morale, the only winner is you. 

If you want to keep winning in business, then take the time to check out the rest of the great articles we have on our site.