Stop! Don't Fix That Morale Problem.

by Jon Hedges

Sound like odd advice? Let me explain. You can't fix a morale problem by trying to directly fix morale itself.

If you have a morale problem in your business, find out what the root cause is first, and fix that problem instead. If you don't fix the root cause, and you try to do something specifically to improve morale, you're merely putting a bandage on the problem and in the long run probably making it worse.

Simple advice, but many managers have attempted to fix low morale with superficial things: bringing in snacks, employee awards, and the like. There's nothing wrong with doing these things if you're doing them to thank employees and you do things like this on a regular basis.

But if you try these things to fix a problem that has a different root cause you risk doing damage.

Are employees disgruntled or disenchanted? Maybe communication hasn't been very good, or they think they're being treated unfairly about something.

Are employees frustrated? Maybe they don't feel their ideas or their concerns are listened to.

Are they not contributing? Maybe they don't know what the goal is or what's expected of them.

Dig down and find the root cause, and not only will your employees appreciate it but you will have found one more thing to improve your business. Ask questions and listen to the answers, answer questions truthfully, and have open and honest communication.