by Amy Hite

Created on: August 04, 2011   Last Updated: August 17, 2011

The great Aristotle once said, "Pleasure in the job puts perfection in the work."  Imagine the increase in productivity and job satisfaction if employers truly understood what Aristotle meant.  Many people dislike their chosen line of work, but it does not mean they have to hate everything about their job.  Boosting employee morale is an invaluable tool that is too often overlooked as a way to improve staff performance.  The following proposals are a few easy ways to increase office morale.

1.  Buy the staff a meal.

Nothing says, "I appreciate you," as much as a free meal.  Make it simple.  Order pizza for the office on an extremely busy day when most do not have time for lunch breaks.  Bring in doughnuts on a Friday morning as a special treat.  As a special reward for a job well done, consider taking your staff out to dinner. 

2.  Improve the office ambiance.

No one actually enjoys working in a cubicle.  Consider sprucing up the office space with plants, a fresh coat of paint, or better office decor.  Offer employees the option of listening to music at their desk.  Change seating arrangements.  Allow your staff some creative freedom with decorating their own space to make it more comfortable for them.

3.  Allow work schedule flexibility.

Maintaining an appropriate work/life balance is difficult for many people, and it helps a great deal if your employer understands and encourages that balance.  If applicable, allow some flexibility in your staff's work schedule to better meet their needs.  If telecommuting or differing hours do not work for your business, consider permitting some lenience in your vacation policy.  Work with your staff if they need time off for their families or to further their education.

4.  Contests and rewards.

Contests do not have to exist merely in sales environments.  Take a serious look at what level of performance you expect from your employees and when one of them meets or exceeds those expectations, reward him or her.  Offer a casual Friday for a job well done.  Friendly contests keep an element of fun in the office, and help clearly define certain goals your staff needs to meet. 

5.  Show that you care.

Talk to your employees.  Get to know them.  Ask them about their children, their parents, or their pets.  Do not

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