Discover How to Boost Morale at Work with these Simple Steps

Workplace culture and morale have a huge impact on staff engagement, wellbeing, and retention. In fact, research by Breathe HR, an eLearning and rota, time and attendance software company, has found that a third of British workers (34%) quit their job due to poor company culture. Finding new ways to boost morale will make sure employees are happy to come to work every day and feel proud to be part of your organisation. 

Here, we’ll share our top, tried-and-tested methods for raising morale in the workplace…

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Promote work/life balance

A healthy work/life balance is massively important when it comes to boosting morale and retaining staff. A survey by insurers and financial services company, Aviva, found that 41% of employees cited work/life balance as a key reason for joining their current employer. Working long hours, skipping lunch breaks and working on weekends can quickly lead to burnout, sick days, and staff turnover. You can help staff lead full and happy lives by:

• Encouraging them to take full lunch breaks and annual leave entitlement
• Making sure employees work sensible hours and avoid working on weekends where possible
• Offering flexible working, whether by location or time, to allow staff to juggle childcare commitments or medical appointments
  

Two-way dialogues 

Everyone wants their voice to be heard. Opening two-way dialogues can help staff feel valued, whilst giving employers unique ideas and perspectives. You could ask staff for feedback on new initiatives, or insights into their ideas for raising morale at work. 

Create a positive workplace culture

A positive, healthy, and happy workplace culture is the ultimate morale booster. Work towards this by:

• Arranging social events and team-building activities
• Providing opportunities for collaboration to forge positive working relationships
• Supporting your employees to live healthy lives, with subsidised gym memberships or a cash health plan
  

Introduce recognition and reward initiatives 

Recognising good work and rewarding employees can go a long way toward creating a positive work environment. Employees that feel valued, confident, and supported are more productive than those who aren’t. Online review platform and job search company, Glassdoor, reported that 81% of employees say they feel motivated to work harder when their boss shows appreciation for their work. A quick thank you email or a team lunch will recognise an employee’s efforts and the ways they’ve gone above and beyond. 

Prioritise learning and development

To engage and motivate employees, professional development should be a priority. By setting goals and giving staff the resources to achieve them, employees will feel empowered to gain knowledge, be productive, and accelerate their careers. 

Foster a sense of belonging for remote workers

Boosting morale for employees who are working remotely, especially those who work alone, can be a bit challenging but it's certainly not impossible. One of the best ways to do this is by fostering a sense of belonging and inclusivity. Even if they're not physically present in the office, it's essential to make them feel like they're part of the team. Regularly check in with them, not only about their tasks but also about how they're doing in general. Make use of technology to keep them connected - organise virtual coffee breaks or happy hours where everyone can relax and chat informally. Offering mental health support, like access to counselling services, can also be hugely beneficial. 

Creating a positive workplace culture that supports employee wellbeing isn't just an option—it's a necessity. Remember, your employees are your most valuable asset. Invest in their happiness and your organisation will reap the benefits.

To give some extra support to your remote workers, download our eBook all about spotting the signs that they need help with their mental health.