Staff morale keeping bosses awake at night

Media release

18 October 2011

Staff morale keeping bosses awake at night

- Employee happiness a top priority in the uncertain climate -

Staff morale kept 37 per cent of Kiwi bosses awake when optimism was higher earlier in the year and it remains a concern for New Zealand businesses as economic concerns grow.

"Naturally employers are keen to hold on to their top performers when business is good, but it is equally important that they keep their teams motivated and engaged when the outlook is uncertain," says Megan Alexander, general manager of Robert Half New Zealand.

"As financial pressures grow, there is a tendency for employers to cut back on things they consider to be "non essentials" - like efforts to boost staff morale. In reality, it's during times of economic uncertainty that staff morale is most important to maintain a positive office atmosphere and keep employees confidence and productivity high," said Alexander.

"It is also tempting for bosses to assume that their staff members are happy to even have a job and wouldn't consider moving when the going is tough. However, the most talented employees will always have options. Losing them can cause additional stress at a time when companies can least afford to let productivity and customer service slip," she added.

When it comes to morale, there is a lot that bosses can learn from past strategies - both those that worked well, and the ones that missed the mark. Alexander shares five top tips for leaders:

1. Be transparent: Talking openly with staff during challenging times can help people feel they have some control over the situation. Managers can make the team feel more included and also get some helpful ideas for the business.

2. Don't blame those at the top: If you're a middle manager who has to deliver bad news, you may be inclined to tell employees that you would have done things differently. While this may take the heat off, it sends a message that the company's management is out of sync which can be disconcerting for staff.

3. Remind staff about benefits packages: Few employees know how much their company spends on benefits like health and well-being packages. If finances are being stretched, it can be reassuring to hear about benefits they have access to through their employer.

4. Incentivise employees: Cutting budgets shouldn't mean cutting rewards. There are plenty of low and no-cost incentives that bosses can use to ensure team members still feel valued. An afternoon off, praise at a meeting or a personal thank you note are all inexpensive ways of showing appreciation.

5. Think about the bigger picture: Profit isn't the only thing that motivates employees. Meeting regularly with employees to talk about their jobs, what motivates them and facilitating their personal development are good ways of showing them there is a long-term vision for them within the organisation.

Ends

© Scoop Media