Nine Tactics to Boost Morale
One of a manager's most important jobs is to keep spirits up in the workplace. With stress levels in organizations and companies at an all-time high, this isn't always easy to do. However, there are some strategies you can use that will get the job done - without hurting your budget.
- Sponsor a "Noon Movie." Once a week (depending on employee schedules), set up a VCR in the lunchroom and show a funny movie during lunch. If time is limited, show reruns of "Seinfeld," "Fraser," or other situation comedies.
- Set up a "Humor Corner." Designate one section of the office as the place for humor, and encourage employees to post cartoons, jokes, or other funny material.
- Get out of the office! Wherever possible, hold meetings outside the office - at the coffee shop down the street or at a local restaurant. If weather permits, don't be afraid to hold meeting outside from time to time.
- Liven up your memos. Buy a book of one-liners, and include a joke at the bottom of your memos.
- Run a "Guess the Baby" contest. Ask the staff to bring in baby photos and post them on the wall. Award a free lunch to the employee who can guess who's who.
- Have "Late Day Mondays." If possible, once a month allow your employees to arrive an hour late on a Monday morning - or leave an hour early on a Friday.
- Take pictures! Every office has an aspiring photographer. Ask that person to take candid shot of employees, and add them to the "Humor Corner."
- Play with the dress code. If you culture allows it, hold an "Ugly Tie," "Ugly Pants," or "Ugly Sweater" day. Award prizes for the "winners."
- Bring your smile to work. You'll be surprised at the difference it makes. If the manager consistently has an upbeat attitude, the staff will as well.
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