Low Morale? It May Be Easier Than You Think to Boost Productivity

 

A U.K. survey took the pulse of employees in July and found that employee morale remains low. After last week's post, this should not be a shocker, but there is some detail in the report that can help you respond more effectively. Morale matters because it is a direct influence on productivity. Usually when you see lower morale you see lower productivity.

First, consider what you can do to improve morale. Do you find it difficult to think of ways to work around morale killers such as bad corporate news, continuing layoffs, spending constraints, resource constraints and the like?

Well then, this report brings you good news. None of the above were listed as major problems by respondents. The three things that respondents said their bosses were least likely to do was:

Coach on the job

Discuss training and development needs

Give them feedback on how they are performing

You know, those items don't sound like rocket science to fix. But think a minute - How are you in meeting those needs? If you can spend a little time now helping workers improve their skills, you can have a significant effect on morale. And that will, in turn, improve productivity.

If you have not attended to the development of workers in a while, start looking for opportunities to do so. Examples to help you find something appropriate for your situation:

• Make it easier in your project for project workers to cross-train or help in new areas.
• Publicize areas where help is needed in your project and ask for volunteers
• Ask your HR employee development representative to assist you with creating opportunities
• Use internal discussion board to identify major skill needs in the project and discuss options for meeting those needs

By the way, my leadership article last month was used in gantthead's Head's Up Newsletter, which you should be subscribed to. It does not appear on my departmental page just yet, but I'm working on it.