Workforce Morale: Why it Matters and How to Build it?

Workforce morale means employee's job satisfaction, relationships with colleagues, work-life balance, and overall work environment. 

When I experienced high workforce morale, my productivity increased. On the flip side, during times when morale was low, my productivity dropped, absenteeism increased. I used to think of giving up more often. 

See what I experienced? The difference is night and day, and it’s so necessary for personal and professional growth.

Hence, in this article, I’ll share - 

• What is workforce morale and why it’s important
• How is it measured
• Factors that affect workforce morale
• How we can improve it

So let’s get started!

What is Workforce Morale?

Workforce morale is the satisfaction of employees at work. It shows how motivated and engaged people are in their jobs. 

From my experience, when morale is high, employees are excited and invested in their work. Thus, it leads to greater productivity and a more positive environment.

When you create good morale, you’re making a space where people feel valued and connected to their tasks. It’s not just about rewards, but also about daily interactions, recognition, and support. 

When I’ve seen teams thrive, it’s been because they felt respected and understood. 

So, if you want to improve workforce morale, make each person feel their contributions matter. 

Why is Workforce Morale Important?

Workforce morale is the pillar of success and sustainability of any organization. Yet, many businesses and organizations overlook its importance.

I’ve seen both the impact of high and low morale. There was this company I worked at where everyone was practically bursting with enthusiasm. We felt valued and challenged, and we supported each other. 

It was infectious. People went the extra mile, ideas flowed freely, and we celebrated successes together. This results in better performance, higher quality of work, and improved efficiency. 

Additionally, it created a positive workplace environment. When employees are happy with their jobs, they collaborate effectively, support each other, and maintain strong working relationships. 

How does this benefit?

• This positivity in a workplace creates mutual respect and teamwork, which is essential for long-term organizational growth and success. 
• It also encourages employees to embrace team diversity. It teaches them to respect each other's values, cultures, perspectives, and visions.

On the other hand, I've also witnessed the devastating effects of low morale. It takes away the energy and creativity out of a workplace. People become disengaged, productivity drops and turnover increases.

Some of my friends and family members go through this, and it's heartbreaking to watch their passion fade away.

So why does it matter? 

• Because happy employees are creative, productive, and loyal. 
• They are less likely to quit or switch jobs. It reduces the costs and disruptions of frequent hiring and training of new staff.
• On top of that, high workforce morale can significantly impact employee recruitment. Organizations with a reputation of a positive work environment and high employee satisfaction can attract talented employees. 

How is Workforce Morale Measured?

If you want to improve workforce morale, you need to measure how employees feel about their work. It’s the first step to creating a workplace that nurtures positive employee experiences.

These are some ways you can measure workforce morale in your company:

Regular Surveys

One of the most effective ways to improve workforce morale is by using surveys. If you regularly survey, you can understand employees' thoughts and feelings. 

When you start collecting feedback through surveys, you show that their opinions matter.

For instance, a friend of mine once shared how her company tackled an issue raised through a survey. Thus, it helps solve a problem proactively.

When you prioritize your employees' feedback, you build a workplace where people feel valued and heard. This increases their trust and respect, improving workforce morale and team performance.

Employee Counseling

Sometimes, you might feel stressed or overwhelmed about the work. Let’s admit it- we all have been there! 

This pressure can be so heavy and it feels like I’m the one who is struggling.

It’s important to talk about this feeling and that’s where employee counseling comes in. 

Employee counseling provides you with how you can handle these challenges. It also helps you understand your issues better and develop coping skills. 

In this way, you can create a more positive workplace environment.

Employee Interviews

Employee interviews give employees space to share their thoughts and concerns. This open communication helps you understand their needs and career goals. 

From my experience, having these conversations with employees has revealed insights that significantly improved overall job satisfaction.

When you interview your employees, you can align their goals with the company’s objectives. This helps them see their role as important to the company’s success. 

Not only that, but it can also resolve some potential issues and prevent future dissatisfaction.

Analyze Employee Performance

Analyzing employee performance is a great way to measure workforce morale. Analyze how your employees are performing, what they’re working on, and if there’s anything they need to focus on.

One of my colleagues once started missing deadlines consistently. At first, we thought it might be temporary. But as the pattern continued, it became clear something was off. 

It turned out he was feeling overwhelmed and under-resourced. After addressing the situation, his performance improved dramatically!

Similarly, when one team member consistently seems to be carrying a lighter load, it can create an imbalance. 

It's important to understand why this is happening. Perhaps he’s facing challenges that need to be addressed.

When you closely monitor employee performance, you can identify these issues early. Not only does this help employees succeed, but it also creates a productive work environment.

Suggestion Boxes

Suggestion boxes are a confidential way for employees to share their thoughts, ideas, and concerns without fear of reprisal. 

This freedom to express oneself without fear can lead to innovative ideas and constructive criticism.

I've observed how regular review and action on the feedback collected from suggestion boxes builds trust and encourages open communication. It creates a more engaged and collaborative workplace.

Measuring Productivity

There is a positive relationship between productivity and workforce morale. The higher the workforce morale of an employee, the more likely he is to be productive. 

My friends who are enthusiastic and satisfied with their work consistently achieve better results, and their productivity is amazing.

Vice versa can happen, too, but it doesn't necessarily mean the employee has less morale. 

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Factors that Affect Workforce Morale

Now that we know what workforce morale is, let’s look at the factors that affect employee morale. If you understand these factors, you can improve your overall workforce morale:

Communication

Clear and open communication is a must in the workplace. 

It's not just about giving instructions or sharing project details. You must also listen to employees' ideas and provide constructive feedback. 

If employees know about the company's goals, decisions, or changes, they feel more involved and connected to the company's goal.

Clear communication encourages employees to get work done effectively and efficiently. According to McKinsey, well-connected employees show productivity increases of up to 20-25%.

Similarly, poor communication can create problems. Employees might feel ignored or disrespected if their manager doesn't listen.

In this situation, they don’t feel comfortable speaking up or sharing any ideas that could improve the overall workplace mission.

Work-life Balance

According to Gallup, when employees are unhappy, it costs about $30,000 per person each year in lost productivity.

I believe that creating a positive work-life balance is essential for any organization. It’s important to be conscious of your employees’ workload. 

Regularly check on your employees and let them know you care about them. Hybrid office or remote jobs can be helpful in this regard.

Some days ago, I was managing a team of technicians for a plumbing company. I was struggling with scheduling, missed appointments, and manual paperwork.  

FieldServicely transformed my workflow by optimizing job management. It created and scheduled jobs with just a few clicks, and I could see my team's GPS locations.

Recognition and Rewards

Dutee Chand said, “Gold medal always feels great. In fact, any appreciation or acknowledgment is a great morale booster.”

Recognizing and rewarding your team directly impacts workforce morale. When people feel valued, they are more motivated and dedicated to their work. 

Simple gestures, like a thank-you note or public acknowledgment, can make a big difference. Rewards like financial bonuses or small gifts also show appreciation. 

According to Harvard Business Review, 82% of employees complain their manager doesn't recognize them enough. Meanwhile, 40% of people say they would work harder if they got more recognition.

I remember a time when my boss recognized my hard work. I had put in extra hours on a project. 

I wasn’t expecting anything, but during a team meeting, my boss praised my efforts. That small act of recognition boosted my morale significantly.

Security and Stability

When you're worried about the stability of your job, it's tough to focus on anything else. I mean, can you brainstorm ideas when you’re continuously thinking about paying the rent? 

When you feel secure in your job, you can focus better and stay motivated. Stability allows you to plan for the future, which leads to productivity and better engagement.

When employees feel secure, they are more likely to give their best and be motivated.

Equity

Everyone wants to feel like they matter at work, right? When people think they are treated fairly and have equal opportunities, it positively impacts their motivation and engagement. 

If promotions, rewards, and responsibilities are based on merit, it builds trust and respect among team members.

When promotions or rewards are based on who you know instead of how hard you work, it becomes frustrating. Employees feel like, "What's the point?" and they just give up.

Employees may feel undervalued or unfairly treated, which can result in decreased productivity. This creates a negative work environment.

Growth Opportunities

Many employees want to grow with the company. When you and your colleagues see a clear path for growth, it leads to better performance and productivity. 

Without opportunities for growth, employees will look for those opportunities elsewhere.  It’s not about a new job; it’s about evolving and developing their skills.

Teamwork

When people work well together, it builds trust, and they can share ideas with each other. 

Good teamwork improves communication and makes the work environment more positive. This helps everyone feel more engaged and motivated.

But let’s be real, not every team is a dream team. Misunderstandings, and zero motivation – it can be a whole disaster. 

When people aren't on the same page, it can make work feel like a total grind.

Signs of Low Employee Morale

When you’ll recognize the signs of low employee morale, it’ll be easier to tackle this. If you see a decline in productivity, an increase in turnover, or sudden absenteeism, it's time to dig deeper. 

These are some common signs of low employee morale:

Decreased productivity

One of the very first signs of low employee morale is decreasing productivity. Employees start taking longer lunch breaks, disappearing out of nowhere, and avoiding meetings. 

This sudden drop is a signal that the enthusiasm and motivation that once drove their performance have faded away.

I’ve had close colleagues who were extremely talented and skilled and found themselves struggling to meet deadlines. 

Why? The reason was a lack of engagement and support.

Causes:

• Poor management
• Inadequate resources
• Work environment
• Lack of opportunities 

Increased Turnovers

A higher turnover rate indicates low team morale among employees. If your employees are dissatisfied or feel undervalued, they may seek opportunities elsewhere.

And guess what? Once an employee leaves, others start quitting, too. 

When employees start leaving in droves, you must understand the problems rooting behind this

Causes:

• Inadequate compensation
• Employee benefits
• Poor leadership

Lack of Attendance

I’ve had friends who’ve left jobs entirely because they felt so disconnected and demotivated. Frequent absences are often a symptom of low employee morale. 

When employees start to avoid work or frequent days off, it often signals more than personal issues. They might be struggling with their work environment or feeling undervalued. 

Causes:

• Illness and poor health
• Burnout 
• Lack of job satisfaction
• Lack of work-life balance

Lack of Enthusiasm

One clear sign of low employee morale that I've observed in my own experiences is a noticeable drop in enthusiasm. 

When employees who once had a spark in their work now seem unmotivated, it’s a red flag.

It doesn’t always start immediately, but it can become increasingly apparent over time. If you see employees stop participating actively in meetings or avoid volunteering, it’s often a sign of low enthusiasm.

Causes: 

• Lack of communication
• Not understanding the company’s vision and goal
• Mismanagement 

Lack of Teamwork

Low morale can decrease teamwork and camaraderie. If there is a lack of collaboration and teamwork, it may indicate underlying morale issues.

I remember a project where the lack of cooperation led to missed deadlines and a stressful situation. This breakdown in teamwork often represents low employee morale.

Causes:

• Poor communication
• Poor collaboration
• Conflicts

How to Build Morale in a Workforce

When you consistently measure employee morale, you can proactively address issues and maintain a positive work environment. 

Now you know the importance of improving workforce morale, here are some tips on how you can build in a workforce:

Be Transparent

Building morale in a workforce begins with transparency. When leaders share company goals, challenges, and decisions with employees it builds trust within them. 

Research shows that 23% of employees are more likely to stay if their manager clearly explains their roles and responsibilities. So, crystal-clear communication is the key.

This clarity helps employees feel more connected to the organization and its objectives, 

I've seen it a million times: people avoiding tough talks. Don't be that person. It will make the situation worse. 

Instead, face issues and work together to resolve them. Keep your employees informed about company updates, new protocols, and customer feedback.

Acknowledge the Hard Work

One of the most effective strategies to build workforce morale is to acknowledge the hard work of the team. I mean, who doesn’t like attention after all?

When you acknowledge your employee's hard work, it makes them feel valued and appreciated. This simple act can increase morale, making them more committed to the work. 

Employees who know their efforts are valued work harder and feel more connected to their tasks. This recognition helps them stay focused and committed.

So, the next time you see someone on your team going above and beyond, don't hesitate to let them know you appreciate their hard work.

Encourage Work-Life Balance

A supportive approach to work-life balance can make a big difference in improving workforce morale. 

When employees have a good balance between work and personal life, they tend to be happier and more committed. This often leads to lower turnover rates and better morale.

One of my friends' companies switched to hybrid work, and she said she felt way more focused and energetic. When people can balance their lives better, they bring more energy and enthusiasm to their work.

Flexible hours, paid time off, self-care discussions, and hybrid companies help workers to balance work and personal life. They can focus better and bring their best energy to work.

Opportunities for Professional Growth

Employees want to be assured that they can advance their skills and overall professional growth. It’s an easy equation. 

When you have chances to grow, you become more motivated and involved in the work. 

Organizations that focus on employee development, can reach their goals and increase the organization's success. Their employees are willing to put in extra effort and this creates a positive workplace.

Encourage Employee Feedback

Who better knows about the company than the employees who work every day? That’s why it’s crucial to embrace employee feedback with open arms. 

If employees can openly discuss with their managers, a positive feedback cycle can be created to improve the overall team. 

This helps identify and address issues early. Therefore, it creates transparency that is vital for organizations to succeed.

Prioritize Employee Wellness:

Providing competitive salaries and bonuses is not enough. Employers must also ensure their team feels healthy and well-rested. 

When your team members are less stressed, they can be more focused and productive. You can regularly check them up and offer mental health support and wellness programs. 

Simple actions like these can have a big impact.

Create a Positive Workplace

The workplace should be fun, comfortable, and open for all employees. Provide your employees with all the necessary tools and training they need. 

In my own journey and in observing close colleagues, investing in quality tools and training has proven to be incredibly effective. It empowers your team with all the things they need to progress.

Conclusion

A motivated team can change the workplace for the better. 

When workforce morale is high, productivity increases, creativity blooms, and a positive attitude spreads. This makes the workers feel connected to the team and inspired, which reduces turnover and boosts job satisfaction.

You can see these benefits too. Make time to listen, support, and recognize each person’s contributions.  It benefits both your employees' work lives and your success as a leader. 

These are some strategies I followed and got the best output. You can try them too. As your people are your biggest power, so start nurturing them. You’ll surely see the result soon.