It can happen anywhere; your company is motoring along, and suddenly, ennui sets in. Employees who were once chipper and motivated instead come into work sluggish and downtrodden. Projects that used to take days, now take weeks to complete. What happened? Unfortunately, there’s no catch-all answer for why an office might begin to struggle to meet its previous output levels. However, there are ways to help improve a demoralized workforce, and guard against malaise setting in at your currently productive business. Here are five helpful tips to that end:
Increase Collaboration
We as humans are social creatures by our very nature; and in most scenarios, we benefit from talking, writing, and working with others. So make sure to encourage your employees to work together. Assign projects in pairs and watch your team flourish.
Invest in the Essentials
Sometimes productivity takes a dip –– not out of a lack of motivation –– but simply because of an inability to cope with aging or ineffective technology. A doctor wouldn’t be able to get much work done at their office without essential items like stethoscopes, drawing needles, or cotton swabs, and neither can your team members without modern technologies. So if you notice any monitors, company phones, modems, or other devices that are over three years old, consider replacing them. You can also save money by purchasing wholesale paper products. Your employees are your company’s most valuable resource –– treat them as such and invest in them.
Encourage Customization
Letting your employees select the decour, fragrances, and general vibe of the office will help to put them at ease and improve office morale. Even doing something as simple as letting a new team member pick lunch on a rotating schedule will increase camaraderie and get your employees excited about coming into work.
Set Clear Deadlines
No one wants to be the bad guy at the office; unfortunately though, someone has to ensure that work gets done on time. You can help make your office run smoother by being clear and upfront about your expectations. Set reasonable deadlines well before a project is due and allow your employees the time and space to get it done.
Savor the Triumphs
When something good happens –– a sale, a successful presentation, achieving a long-term goal –– really make an effort to celebrate it. Rewarding your team members for their work can go a long way toward engendering good will in your workplace. Even a kind word or a short email expressing appreciation will work help to better your office environment. And the best part is, it won’t cost you a dime to do it!
