Improving Company Morale During Difficult Times

Dear Dr. LeCrone:

I recently took over the management of a fairly small company, and the morale among the employees is very low.

Fear of losing their jobs, stress related to the same amount of work with a reduced workforce, no raises or bonuses for the past year, downsizing of work space and reduced benefits in health care are facing each employee. These changes are all related to efforts to keep the company from having to shut down as a result of reduced sales during the current economic downturn.

Can you offer any suggestions on how to help me improve the mind-set of my workforce?

—A reader in North Carolina


Dear Reader:

Your challenge is shared by many organizations all over the world at this time. Low morale can be “infectious” and make things more difficult in a workplace during a difficult time.

To help overcome this problem, make employees feel appreciated and needed. These efforts can improve morale and help employees deal with the negative consequences of the downturn.

Other suggestions for improving morale include:

• Get to know your employees individually, and try to learn something special about each person. Let the employee know that you care about his life, family and goals.

• Get out into the workplace. If possible, roll up your sleeves and show the employees that you are not above doing some of the same work that they are doing.

• Communicate more by face-to-face interaction in a warm and genuine manner and less by telephone, paper memorandums and e-mails. In our high-tech society, don’t neglect the personal touch.

• Empower your employees by asking for input and suggestions. Make them feel important by valuing their opinions. Be a good listener as well as a good leader.

• Share with them your ideas and your dreams. Let them know that you understand their concerns about the future and that you are striving to help your company survive and move forward. Tell them you want happiness and success for them as part of your company.

Check yourself periodically. Ask yourself: When was the last time you made a conscious, concerted effort to make every employee in your organization feel appreciated and needed? This effort by you may be the single most important thing that you can do to improve the morale of your employees.