Struggling with Work Culture in Tough Times? Here Are Practical Ways to Boost Morale

Work culture plays an important role in organizational success. Hard times push organizations to the limit where their culture stands in motivating survival. Many organizations in India are facing tough times managing their employees and operations because the culture is not conducive to changes and flexibility. Here are some pointers that will help improve work culture:

1. Say "thank you" often, and sincerely, face-to-face.
2. Publicly acknowledge hard work and initiative on the company bulletin board, in the newsletter, during meetings, and at company social events.
3. Offer the option for arriving an hour late on Monday mornings or leaving an hour early on Friday afternoons when possible.
4. Give bonuses for meeting company financial goals (e.g., money, parties, a trip, etc.) or offer time off to an employee who has made a difference.
5. Acknowledge special events (e.g., birthdays, anniversaries of time employed, accomplishments, etc.) either through cards, company newsletters, or meetings.
6. Administer quarterly reviews and encourage and/or require employees to provide a self-evaluation.
7. Take time to meet with employees one at a time.
8. Encourage a sense of ownership in work.
9. Involve employees in decisions, especially those that will directly affect them, and the quality progress of the company.
10. Encourage employees to participate in community service programs. Possibly provide incentives for their involvement.

By Priti Shah

I have bosses who encourage all of the above and are doing this...yet the team spirit is clearly lacking at manager's and lower levels. Most prefer to pull the other down.

What can I do to pull this up? I would appreciate team-building activities suggestions that I can work out for the staff covering all levels. Any ideas?

Just a brief - this is a group that is mainly into trading household products. The employees are a mix of Chinese, Nigerians, and Indians.

Cheers,
Sandy

I am sure you are referring to adults rather than children who may not understand why you want to conduct team-building exercises. What they require are subtle interventions, not direct ones. Consider pairing them up as buddies for similar assignments, provide them with opportunities to relax with each other, implement reward partner programs, and make them feel that by working together, they can enhance their strengths exponentially. One team-building exercise will not be enough. Cheers!