Workplace morale is a huge factor in employee health. It’s also a great predictor of company productivity. While there are a number of long-term company changes you can make to develop a positive company culture, we know those are easier said than done.
Here are a few quick and easy ideas to improve employee morale and create a happy office environment right now.
Number 1: Music
Allow your employees to listen to music while they work. Or play soft, upbeat music in common areas like the lobby or break room.
Number 2: Give back
Plan a volunteer day, partner with a local group to do community service or take part in any cause your employees really care about.
Number 3: Workout
“Exercise gives you endorphins. Endorphins make you happy!” Exercise is a great way to get a quick pick-me-up. If you don’t have the means for a worksite gym, plan walking meetings or lunchtime workout groups.
Number 4: Fake It
Faking it until you make it can be a real strategy. With an emotion like happiness, you can fake it which will lead to you genuinely feeling it. So, smile at your coworkers, or offer compliments. You can also put reminders to smile on any mirrors in your office, which can jumpstart the process of faking it and making it!
Number 5: Get Outside
Allow employees to take their laptops or tablets and work outside when the weather is nice. The sun will do them some good!
Number 6: Show Gratitude
Say thank you to everyone you work with, and encourage your employees to do the same.
Number 7: Celebrate
Even the smallest things can be a reason for celebration. Celebrate small wins, big wins, birthdays, milestones, anniversaries and anything else your employees value.
Number 8: Skip the Small Talk
When you have downtime with your employees, ask questions that matter. Show a genuine interest in their lives outside the four walls of your office.
Number 9: Positivity is Key
Obviously positivity will help people be happy. The two go hand in hand. Use positive messaging in all of your interactions and encourage your employees to do the same.
Number 10: Communicate in Person
Staring at a computer all day can be absolutely mood-draining. Encourage your employees to work with each other face-to-face instead of through email or online chat. Bonus: This can also help you fight metabolic syndrome in your office.
Number 11: Brighten Up the Workspace
A light, bright workspace automatically elicits positive emotions. Invest in your workspace with things that are colorful and nice to look at.
Number 12: Necessary Tools
Employees feel more engaged in their work when they feel they can do their duties well. Be sure to provide them with the tools they need, and show that you are willing to invest in them because they are worth it. These can be physical tools like computer software and office supplies, mental tools like encouragement and advice, and financial tools like an appropriate salary.
Number 13: Friendly Competitions
Host competitions and contests. They can be work-related or just for fun, but it’s an excellent way to switch things up and give your employees a nice change of pace.
Employee morale is important, and let’s face it—nobody wants to work with a crabby coworker. You can play a huge role in the employee morale at your company. Take these thirteen ideas, brainstorm more and spread the good mood throughout your workplace. Your employee wellness program is an excellent starting point for these types of small, positive initiatives.
What mood-boosters do you use in your workplace?
