How to Fix Low Workplace Morale

Low morale in the workplace brings down productivity and performance. When employees experience low morale, it is reflected by mediocre and uninspired work as well as a clear lack of motivation. Focus: The Hidden Driver of Excellence, a book by psychologist Daniel Goleman, explains that one person with low morale in the workplace can introduce a kind of social virus to an otherwise cohesive and well-functioning system. The problem lies in the fact that team members depend on one another and one team member’s behavior is contagious to the rest of the team. And so, teammates collectively and unconsciously, reduce their contributions all around. This low moral behavior can then spread from one team to another, resulting in a downward spiral of problematic behavior throughout the company. 

What causes low morale in the workplace?

There are different causes of low morale in the workplace and depending on the type of organization, it may be challenging to notice. A main cause of low morale is wasted potential. This is when the employee is hired for a job that they are overqualified for. In this case, the employee can get bored and frustrated with their tasks and end up being more concerned about leaving the company rather than doing a good job. Additional causes for low morale in the workplace include poor employee treatment; closed communication, making employees feel like they are unable to communicate with their leaders; unreasonable workload for long periods of time resulting in burnout and resentment; feeling undervalued; unclear and misunderstood expectations creating confusion; a lack of trust on employees to complete work and high turnover rates. For more details on what causes low morale in the workplace, see here. 

What happens when employees do not feel valued?

When employees do not feel valued and appreciated, there is a loss of interest and morale, as well as decreased cooperation, and productivity, therefore causing the company an increased turnover rate. According to Forbes, studies show that 66% of employees say they would likely leave their job if they didn’t feel appreciated. As explained on TechRepublic, an employee that does not feel valued may also lack the motivation to share feedback or thoughts with other team members about projects or initiatives; they may consistently contribute less in meetings, excuse themselves early, or simply not pay attention during discussions or activities. Furthermore, recognition of the essential role of team members in an important factor in the workforce. When managing projects, leaders often focus on time, quality and cost management, making employees feel overlooked and underappreciated. These situations can be avoided by frequent and positive conversations about what employees are doing well, rather than simply discussing what needs to be fixed.

How to improve low morale in the workplace?

Managers and team leaders are responsible for taking action when there is low morale in the workplace and work towards bettering the attitudes, polices and biases that have brought down the morale. According to officevibe.com, a high morale environment is built on trust, respect, autonomy and recognition. Several ways to fix low morale in the workplace is to practice transparency, employees will respect the honesty and be more willing to work together to fix any problems. Give recognition where it is due and focus on the positive, recognizing good work. Train managers in things like emotional intelligence, communication, and different leadership styles. Set realistic goals that help reduce stress. Offer growth to keeping employees motivated and energized. Collect team feedback and show that its being taken into consideration and have team building activities to lift morale. For more information on how to improve low morale in the workplace, see here. 

FAQ

How to energize employees in the workforce?

To create a high-performance work culture, companies must focus on both commitment and energy. Some ways leaders can energize the workforce are by promoting communication, developing a unified vision, promoting fun, stop bad-mouthing other managers and executives, creating opportunities to learn, offering flexible working arrangements, valuing employees as individuals, and more. 

What causes employees to feel exhausted? 

Fatigue symptoms exist in most workplaces due to a variety of contributing factors. For example, fatigue is caused by both mental and physical factors, such as talking to people, lifting heavy objects, operating machinery, and performing tasks that require prolonged concentration. Other factors such as long commutes, night shifts, lack of adequate rest during or after shifts, long hoursor work environment conditions like dim lighting or noisy conditions, also play a role in workplace fatigue. 

How to promote transparency in the workforce?

A transparent workplace encourages an environment free from fear, encourages employees to be open about their achievements and mistakes and can overall create a safer, more positive environment. Ways to promote transparency include making it part of the company policy, confront difficult situations, hold “ask me anything” sessions, provide employees access to information, always share a why, and involve employees in decision-making.