What employee morale is, and how to boost it

Employee morale reflects the general attitudes, outlook, and satisfaction levels that your team has about their work. Unlike engagement, which focuses on motivation and commitment, morale spotlights how employees feel about work and their overall well-being.

High morale signals that employees aren’t just showing up. Instead, morale is a sign that they feel settled and content with their roles, co-workers, and the company culture. This matters, as it influences employee engagement. And according to research from Gallup, engaged employees have lower turnover, lower absenteeism, and higher productivity.

Only 23% of US employees strongly agree that they trust their company’s leadership. It’s tough for morale to be high when trust is lacking, but leaders can guide the change.

This means championing transparency, integrity, and honesty across the organization. Strategies include encouraging open communication, setting good examples, and involving staff in decisions. Building trust lays the groundwork for a positive workplace culture.

Regular, constructive feedback plays a role in growth, job satisfaction, and morale. In fact, two-thirds (68%) of employees who receive accurate, consistent feedback feel fulfilled at work. When managers give guidance on performance and development areas, it shows employees they’re invested in progress. Providing mentoring and resources also signals that the company appreciates well-being and contributions.

In terms of providing support, genuinely listening and responding to employee concerns is key. By taking opinions seriously, leadership can identify issues affecting the team. Morale can improve when listening leads to action.

According to global research from Gallup, 44% of employees said they experience daily stress. While employers can’t control all the stressors an employee may experience, they can support work-life balance.

Implement policies that let employees effectively manage personal and professional commitments. Flexible schedules, ample PTO, and remote work options demonstrate that staff well-being is a priority.

According to research from Zippia, 58% of employees said that professional development is a factor in whether they’re satisfied with their job. But 59% of those surveyed said their company has no formal workplace training. Invest in developing your team’s skills and careers to keep them feeling connected to the organization.

You can do this by offering training programs, professional development funding, mentorship initiatives, and clear promotion pathways. This shows employees you’re committed to their progress, and that builds loyalty, motivation, and capability to drive business goals.

Don’t underestimate the power of small courtesies when considering how to boost staff morale. Leaders need to find quick, frequent ways to acknowledge employee achievements and efforts. Shout-outs in meetings or a quick email can improve morale. These actions boost motivation by making people feel seen, valued, and respected.

Even if you have good intentions to provide regular recognition, your company could still be missing the mark. According to Gallup, 40% of employees said they are acknowledged just a few times a year or less. Having a recognition program can solve this problem.

A formal program for recognizing achievements can motivate teams and boost employee morale. These programs promote company values around appreciation, and they can take many forms.

Group activities help strengthen teams, and data supports the connection between socialization and employee motivation. Research shows that 84% of employees would be motivated by the promise of socializing with teammates, while rebuilding team bonds would motivate 85% of workers.

Collaborative challenges or social events break down silos between roles. Consider fun ways to boost morale at work. If you aren’t sure where to start with this, let your teams brainstorm and vote on activities that excite them.

Empowering staff to take charge of projects shows you value their skills and ideas. This autonomy can boost motivation and creativity as employees take ownership of outcomes. Leading initiatives can also strengthen employees’ connection to the work.

Employees with goals are almost 4 times more likely to be committed to their company. Make sure employees understand their role in the organization’s success by outlining realistic and meaningful objectives. Goals should be measurable and have a clear path and timeline for success. With this direction, teams are motivated to hit targets.

Company culture and morale start from the top. Educate leaders on the skills to uplift and develop teams. Focus training on strategies to effectively motivate employees and communicate with teams to have a positive impact in the workplace.