Employers often underestimate the importance of building morale in the workplace.  Most managers and supervisors are tasked with the responsibility of numbers and bottom lines, and tend to focus on performance and results.  The assignment of building workplace morale can tend to be left out in the open, unless championed by someone within the company that makes it their charge.

What managers should realize is that if they want to gain superior results and performance from their employees on a consistent basis, it is vital that there be good team spirit and employee morale in the workplace. So how can workplace morale be improved?  What can managers, supervisors and even employees do to help?

There is no magic answer on how to improve workplace morale.  No two companies are alike; and with that, what works for one company may not work for another.  There are some basic principles that can and DO work across the board.

The first principle is: Open Communication. Two-way communication among managers and employees is the key to achieving this.  This allows both parties to get their point across comfortably, and without inhibitions.  Open communication begins to build trust with employees and managers.  And that trust cycle can be pertinent in effective employee performance.

The second principle is: Employee Involvement.  Whether it is serving on committee’s, becoming involved in charity causes, or enjoying employee activities – employee involvement shows management that employees care about their own job success.  In addition, with employers allowing employees to be involved in causes other than their specific job descriptions – shows employees that their employers care about their success.

That brings up the third point: Appreciation. Service awards, bonuses, corporate events, wellness programs, flexible schedules, and public recognition can all be examples of appreciation towards employees.  Multiple survey’s have shown that most employees simply want a “thank you” or a “great job” to show that their work doesn’t go unnoticed.

A final point: Work Life Balance.  Employers understand and recognize that employees have a life outside their workplace. Steps can be taken by employers to see that there is a proper balance between work life and home life.  Programs such as time off, Employee Assistance Programs, and wellness can aid in this balance.  In addition, getting to know your employees and taking a true interest in their lives will pay large dividends in the end.