High morale a boon for companies

The most valuable asset in any business is its people.

I learned years ago that a happy employee is a productive employee. When employees feel nurtured, appreciated, acknowledged and respected, they’ll fully give of their time, effort and commitment in return. I’ve always tried to make my staff feel special – and they’ve rarely let me down.

By LILLIAN VERNON
Scripps Howard News Service

http://www.abqtrib.com/shns/story.cfm?pk=LILLIANVERNON-02-06-04&cat=FF

Another benefit of high morale is that it lowers employee turnover. High employee attrition handicaps a company by interrupting systems, processes and product development cycles that depend on a knowledgeable and purposeful workforce. Low turnover means the company has consistently good and experienced people who understand the company’s culture and work ethic.

Interestingly, boosting morale doesn’t have to be costly. These ideas cost little, yet the rewards you’ll reap are great.

– Write a personal note when an employee has a special occasion, gets married or has a baby. It shows that you thought of this person and conveys your caring.

– Create a monthly or quarterly newsletter to acknowledge accomplishments not just by the company but employees, too. You should welcome new staff members and recognize important milestones like promotions, anniversaries and awards. Make it fun by including up close and personal profiles, baby pictures, pets, etc.

– Establish a company suggestion program. Give feedback to your employees about their suggestions. Give a prize for the best suggestions.

– Hold informal brown-bag lunches. It’s a great venue to have employees ask senior management questions in a relaxed atmosphere. Managers get to know what employees are thinking. Employees, in turn, feel their opinions count.

– Start a softball or basketball team. Give everyone caps and shirts with the company logo. Getting people to act and feel like a team solidifies company spirit.

– Your staff has a lot of talent in ways you don’t know. Establish a rotating display of employee art and photographs in the cafeteria or lobby.

– Organize a lunchtime health walk followed by a healthy, catered lunch.

– Have seasonal employee contests – baking contests, pumpkin carving contests, Easter bonnet contests. The winners receive a free lunch in the cafeteria and get recognized in the employee newsletter.

– Sponsor a Christmas card contest among employees’ children. The families will enjoy being part of a company activity. Have employees vote. The winning card is sent to each family at their home address – with your signature!

– Have a monthly raffle. Give away company products or a dinner at a favorite local restaurant.

– Don’t forget the two most important and motivating words for all managers to say: "Thank you."

(Lillian Vernon, a pioneer in direct marketing and retail, can be reached at or visit http://www.lillianvernon.com.)