Every organization would love to have great employee morale because they know it leads to a more successful organization. Every manager and business owner looks forward to having a motivated staff. An organization would find it virtually impossible for it to stay competitive if it suffered from low employee morale. Unhappy staff in the workplace is becoming a very large problem and according to a January 2010 report released by The Conference Board, only 45 percent of employees are satisfied with their jobs. The good news is that managers can directly impact morale with a few simple steps.

1. Be accessible to employees. It’s surprising how many managers seem to avoid communicating with their employees. They are more comfortable being insulated in their office and assuming everything is okay. Employees are not motivated by absentee managers. If you, as the leader, don’t show your concern, how can you expect employees to care?
2. Create an environment where people can make mistakes – and learn from them. Employees who are punished for making mistakes learn to cover their tracks and avoid taking risks. Businesses do not thrive with an internal atmosphere of fear. When employees feel they can speak freely, think outside the box and make mistakes they become more motivated and creative.
3. Take time for fun. There’s a time and place for everything–including having fun at work. A sweatshop environment grinds employees down and makes them dread coming to work. Playing games, sharing a good laugh and allowing your employees to blow off steam will rejuvenate them. As managers we need to show that we understand human nature.
4. Make sure the basic organizational and departmental goals are crystal clear. Don’t assume your employees truly understand. Communicate your goals and mission in a simple format that all will understand and remember. Employees cannot embrace if they don’t understand.
5. Check your personal motivation level. If you as the leader lack motivation, it’ll be apparent to your staff. How can you expect your staff to show enthusiasm if you cannot demonstrate the same. If your energy level toward your job is lacking, shore it up before you work on your team. The leader’s personal example cannot be underestimated.