It’s normal for a workplace to become dull after a while. It is a job, after all, so it can’t always be fun. But there are some things you can do as an employer to improve the overall morale and keep the environment of the office a positive and productive one.
Company Outings and Retreats
RevenFlo takes an annual retreat to a location and spends the day working on internal RevenFlo things. Entrepreneur argues that retreats are a worthwhile investment that not only work to bring your team together, but also expose employee skills or company problems that wouldn’t have otherwise been brought to the surface. And we can’t underestimate the value of having a break from the monotony of an office, even if your office is super cool (like ours).
Lunches and Happy Hours
Being in Old Town Rock Hill we have a great selection of lunch spots, and we’ve grown quite fond of a few happy hours around town. It helps to sit together as a group and talk more casually, especially at the end of a long day, and it can help forge lasting friendships. You’ll never know which of your co-workers you share a favorite band with until you’re able to talk about it over a beer.
Give and Listen to Feedback
Listening to feedback given by your staff and giving feedback (positive or negative) is critical to maintaining an open and honest workplace. If your employees feel like they can talk to you, and that their concerns and ideas are encouraged, they’ll feel more invested in the company. Additionally, if they’re doing a good job in one area or need to improve in another, they’ll appreciate you giving that feedback in the most constructive way possible.
Monetary Bonuses
It’s no secret that money can put anyone in a good mood, so bonuses and raises are a great way to improve the mood in the office. But it is temporary, so don’t mistake this is a fool-proof solution. If you give an employee a raise, they’ll respond positively and improve their mood temporarily, but if other glaring problems persist, the morale boost gained from the raise will soon disappear.
Encourage Time Off
Don’t just allow your employees time off—encourage them to use it! Many companies provide monetary rewards for not using any vacation or sick time, which may work for some, but can create an unnecessary pressure for others. Those that are sick often or have to take leave for any number of reasons may feel like they’re being considered less dedicated than another employee who’s lucky enough not to need those days off. And quite frankly, it’s good to get away for a while, even just for a long weekend. Make sure your employees know it’s perfectly OK to take that time off when they need it.
Encourage Skill-Building and Continuing Education
One of my favorite things about working for RevenFlo is the freedom they’ve given me to hone my skills. I’ve been allowed the time to get certifications in a number of areas, and other employees have been able to take college courses to help them grow in their respective areas. This is a privilege we don’t take for granted, and if you’re in a position to offer this to your employees, they certainly won’t either.
We hope you’ve managed to cultivate a positive and open work environment, but if you ever notice a dark cloud over your workers, give these ideas a shot. Your employees will thank you in longevity and dedication.