The holidays can be a distracting time for everyone in the office and can lead to less interest in getting work done.
This article comes from HR Exchange.
Here are some ways to motivate your team and de-Scrooge the office atmosphere.
Getting your company involved in some sort of challenge against other organizations (such as a charity fund-raiser) can be a great way to rekindle camaraderie.
Maybe everyone has to wear their favorite hat, bring in a photo from their favorite vacation, or share an embarrassing moment. Awards go to the best or to the one that gets the most laughs.
Really, there’s only one way to know how employees are feeling about their jobs, and that’s to go straight to the source.
A suggestion box or a simple survey asking how processes could be tweaked will not only make them feel better, but it will improve the company overall.
When the company is restructuring, changes are being made, and their co-workers are being shown the door, employees want to be able to recognize a silver lining. As soon as there are positive results to report (increased productivity, a new business acquired, etc.), make them public knowledge.
Free laundry service, a massage therapist, concert tickets, “late Mondays”—there are a hundred different ways to go. If you’re really feeling frisky, provide a few options and let them pick the one they want.
Watch as everyone automatically breathes a little easier in a neutral surrounding. A change of atmosphere will reenergize the group and allow everyone to get to know each other in a different light.
Quote song lyrics, share a YouTube video or reference a celebrity train wreck—whatever your crowd is likely to appreciate. It won’t take more than two minutes of your time, yet it can completely transform the mood of the day.
Yes, it’s the good ones you’re aiming for, but people won’t feel comfortable offering up any if they’re afraid a single stupid one will send them packing. Enforce a No Squelching rule in meetings and brainstorms.
If employee morale is really in the dumps, lighthearted attempts might be lost upon them or even resented. Keep it straightforward with Bagel Mondays or Pizza Fridays and they’ll be pleased just to save a few bucks and spend some time away from the desk.
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