Anyone that has ever been involved in a startup knows it is anything but a cakewalk. If only jobs were as easy as they were in the video game The Sims, where one could simply click a button and make it all happen easily.
With startups, there are going to be plenty of highs and lows. There is bound to be a high level of enthusiasm at the beginning when the aura of fresh starts and initial excitement courses through everyone’s veins. The good times can’t last forever, and there are bound to be some difficult moments.
As one of the bosses, it’s your job to help boost company morale and make sure these low times don’t stay low for very long. In this list, we’re going to run through seven effective methods of boosting company morale.
1. Encourage Employee Feedback
Think back to the last argument you had. While you were undoubtedly trying to convince the other person or people of your point, you were also just trying to be heard.
While you may not be so keen on arguments in the office, there will still be plenty of chances for employee feedback. Many HR reps agree that consistent feedback and dialogue is key for overall success.
It’s not too difficult to understand. People who feel like others are listening to them are bound to feel better appreciated, thus improving overall morale.
2. Encourage a Work-Life Balance
Businesses should be encouraging their employees to work so they can have a life, not live to work. It’s a fine balance in the workforce, but it’s one that needs the utmost attention for businesses.
Take a cue from the country of France that bans work emails between certain hours and make sure you’re giving your team the amount of time they need in order to live fulfilling lives. Let them go see their children’s recitals and soccer games.
Embracing a positive work-life balance is the best way to keep your employees around, making sure they don’t suffer from burnout.
3. Company Retreats
One way to show your employees that their hard work is being appreciated is by taking them on retreats or events. They can be weekend trips or even taking a whole day off.
It’s great for team and trust building and it will help everyone forget about the sales calls or rough days they’ve been having lately. Here are some quick ideas:
- Bowling
- Camping
- Arcade
- Comedy events
- Musical events
- Obstacle courses
Make sure to organize transportation and then head out on your big adventure.
4. Encourage Communication
Some bosses are used to people getting a little quiet when they walk-by or seeing people rapidly close browser windows. That’s normal and will probably continue forever, but not all bosses have to be some ruling overlords.
As a boss, encourage open and honest communication among your employees. Let them know that the door is always open and you’d be willing to listen to any complaints or doubts they may have. You don’t have to be buddy-buddy with everyone, but it is always encouraging to know that the boss has your back.
5. Be Decisive
Being wishy-washy about restaurants or your music choice when someone hands you the controls is fine (for a while at least), but not so much when you’re making decisions for your business.
At the end of the day, your word goes and employees will have to respect that. What they won’t respect, however, is constantly dragging your feet when it comes to making a decision about anything from the time of the meeting that afternoon to marketing strategies. Remember to be firm and decisive early on.
6. Recognize Achievements
Even the humblest people in the world still like to be appreciated. You don’t have to hand out trophies like a little league baseball game, but it doesn’t take much effort on your part to give small compliments to your colleagues.
“Great job on the presentation.”
“Good work on that report.”
“Thanks for getting this to me.”
“You’re doing a great job.”
Little compliments go a long way. If someone has a big accomplishment? Announce it on social media or at the next company meeting. Let your employees know that you see them and you appreciate them.
