by Matthew J. Geiger

Created on: May 05, 2010

Morale is the emotional devotion of a group to a particular objective or other measure of success.  When morale is weak or lacking, success becomes less likely.  Consequently, improving workplace morale is one aspect of strengthening employee performance.  Where employees view failure as a strong possibility or have little personal stake in success, low morale is likely part of the problem.  As such, improving employee morale involves changing the perceptions of employees and renewing their faith in their mission.

The employee, who is working for a paycheck, works for a business versus working to make his, or her, company successful.  Of course, the same is true of the business leadership, thus managers and supervisors help determine whether or not employees are devoted to a successful firm.  As such, the leadership of a business must be focused on the success of the organization as well as its individual employees.  This means management has to translate individual employee performance into a personal stake in the company’s success.

Furthermore, the role of a workforce is to provide support for management.  On the flip side, management can only succeed if it supports members of the workforce.  Management should always support its subordinates by demonstrating it respects and values the contributions of these less prominent, yet key, employees.  Showing support reinforces the fact that employees are part of a team and, thus, the success of the team makes them successful people.  As such, employee morale can easily be boosted when staff members feel they are supported.

Meanwhile, economic difficulties and challenging times are rot with stressors that will diminish morale quicker than most other factors.  Successful business leaders tend to look forward to the payoff versus the rough waters ahead.  In troubled times, it is, therefore, the responsibility of the leadership to share this vision.  Showing a way forward and reassuring employees that their labor will pay off helps inspire subordinates to work toward better times.  In the process, morale will be boosted.

Beyond a constructive attitude, a pleasant work atmosphere can bolster morale when superiors openly praise subordinates and coworkers.  While some may feel thanking people for doing their job is redundant, a paycheck only addresses financial rewards, yet leaves human needs unrewarded.  Telling someone they did a good job or made the day easier does a lot to address the human need to feel appreciated.  People work hardest when they feel appreciated and motivated, not because they are paid to do so.

Morale in the work environment is extremely important.  Because the workday can be quite tedious and stressful, morale often suffers while troubling events can quickly undermine the performance and outlook of any workforce.  In these moments, leadership must demonstrate the storm will end and success is on the horizon.  As a direct result, improving morale requires managers to step up to the plate to address the concerns and needs of their subordinates at all times.  Moreover, improving employee morale means changing the outlook of employees.

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