It happens every year. The fourth quarter starts and employees are headed into crunch time. As the days get shorter and the holidays get closer, we’re all day-dreaming about time off. But how do you battle this? As a manager it is vital that you keep morale up so that you get the most out of your 4th quarter than you have in years, and here are three easy steps you can take to do just that:
1. Give your employees free food
This goes such a long way and will be beneficial in more ways than one. To start, everyone loves not paying for food, especially if it’s in the office. If your employee gets an email at the beginning of the day saying lunch is provided, or there will be cookies in the break room after lunch, then they’ll be working towards that time throughout the day. Not only that, but that extra boost of energy from the food will mean more production later on in the day.
Want to take it even further? Make it a regular thing. Monday cookies or Thursday donuts. If you make free food a part of the week, then your employees will look forward to coming in that day. That’ll make the work place a little more inviting, and boost morale a ton.
2. Go to a company happy hour
Happy hour is the perfect way to increase production. Make it an incentive – If the employees meet a certain goal (safety, sales, etc.) then take them to the local bar’s happy hour. Sure, it might be a new expense, but it’ll be one that’s definitely worth it.
Want to take it even further? Get your employees’ input on where you go. Have them vote on which bar you go to and when they want to do it. If you do this, then your employees will feel like they’re a part of the team, which will, in turn, boost morale. Besides, who knows the local bar scene better than the locals?
3. Recognize the Little Things
This is the easiest way to boost morale, and the best part? It’s absolutely free! A few, “Hey! Way to knock that out of the park!” Or, “You’re on a roll!” will go a lot further than you think. When employees know that their work is recognized, then not only will they know they’re on the right track, but they’ll also work harder to get that recognition again.
Want to take it even further? Throw in a few incentives. A $5 coffee card for closing on a big sale, or a company shirt for maintaining safety regulations for a quarter. Recognition from management is a great way to boost morale, and will have a direct impact on production.
It doesn’t take much to make your employees happy. Try implementing one of these strategies and see where it takes you! You never know what could happen.
