It is a no-brainer that better morale leads to increased productivity. General morale at work can make or break a company’s success. Effective leaders keep a close eye on company morale. Staff who feel fulfilled and appreciated are far more likely to go the extra mile. They will be more loyal and your staff turnover will decrease. Creative approaches can be employed to build the morale if it is low. The best approach would be to embrace positive changes before the depressing atmosphere really takes hold.

If you recognize some of this behavior in your workplace you can be sure that morale is not as good as it could be. Eye rolls, consistent lateness, high staff turnover, lower performance and less staff collaboration. A Gallup survey recently found that only about 13% of workers are engaged in their job. Research also shows that sadly by far a large majority of people do not enjoy their work. If employees see their work as more than just a job this goes a long way to increasing productivity. Staff happiness results in greater profits for companies who take steps to improve morale.

Conventional thinking assumes that if you pay your staff better you will get more productivity. Not so it seems, we see now that financial incentives are not enough to ensure productivity.

Companies who invest in support and satisfaction generate happier workers. Work environments where the staff feels happy and appreciated are in fact up to 12% more productive. Positive feelings are invigorating for people. The human brain works better when a person feels positive.

Ask for feedback from staff in an atmosphere that accepts that all constructive criticism is good. Employees are always encouraged by being acknowledged. Brainstorming with employees regularly can avoid or mitigate many of the everyday issues that present themselves. Since employees spend more time together than they do at home with their families a supportive happy work environment goes a long way to promoting happiness.

There are many both conventional and unconventional ways to promote this improved morale.

Let the letch go If there are employees who routinely bug other members of staff. If they are sexist, racist, condescending or rude, regularly lose their cool and refuse to accept blame it would be wise to let them go. This could have a greater effect on morale, more even than increases or promotions.

Encourage staff to take time out. Research tells us that 20% of workers break for lunch, in truth being boxed in at one location all day stunts creative thought. The same employees who do not get up from their workstations are also less likely to take holidays. Time off is vital to recharge one’s brain.

Bonuses Pay for things out of the expected remuneration. Possibly pay towards technology, gym membership, transport or childcare. Celebrate accomplishments and reward employees. Occasional surprise unconditional gifts can dispose people well towards employers.

Family Open your doors to spouses, children and other family from time to time in order to connect the professional and personal worlds of your employees. Keep staff regularly apprised of opportunities to grow.