10 Tactics To Boost
Morale
One
of the most important jobs of an owner or manager is to keep spirits
up in the workplace. Although this isn�t always easy to do, there
are some strategies you can use that will get the job done�without
hurting your budget.
1. Sponsor a �Noon Movie.�
Once a week or once a month (depending on employee schedules), set
up a VCR in the lunchroom and show a funny movie during lunch. If
time if limited, show reruns of Seinfeld, Frasier, or other
situation comedies.
2. 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.
3. Get out of the office!
Whenever 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 meetings outside from time to time...and
include a catered picnic.
4. Sponsor an �Interesting Pizza Day.�
Once a month, treat employees to pizza (gourmet pizza shops now
feature dozens of specialty toppings) and encourage people to try
different kinds. Not only is it a free lunch, but it�s lots of fun.
5. Liven up your memos.
Buy a book of one-liners, and include a joke at the bottom of your
memos.
6. 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.
7. 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.
8. Take pictures!
Most businesses have an aspiring photographer. Ask that person to
take candid shots of employees, and add them to the �Humor Corner.�
9. Play with the dress code.
If your culture allows it, hold an �Ugly Tie,� �Ugly Shoes,� or
�Ugly Sweater� day. Award prizes for the winners.
10. Bring your smile to work.
You�ll be surprised at the difference it makes. If you consistently
have an upbeat attitude, the staff will as well.