Happy employees are the cornerstone of any successful business. When employees are engaged, motivated, and satisfied with their work, they are more likely to be productive and innovative, leading to greater success for the company. However, achieving a happy workforce is no easy feat.
According to a study conducted by LinkedIn employees may consider leaving their jobs after they have had a break from work. This phenomenon is often referred to as the “holiday effect” with nearly 1 in 4 workers in the UK (23%) have considered quitting their job after returning from a break, with 12% admitting to actively looking for a new job while on holiday.
As an employer it is perhaps useful to bear this in mind as we head into May with three Bank Holidays coming up… here are my 12 tips to help boost staff morale following a Bank Holiday break.
- The first step in boosting staff morale is acknowledging the holiday break and the effort put in by employees before the break. As business leader Richard Branson said: “It’s important to take time off and recharge your batteries.” By recognising the importance of work-life balance and showing gratitude for their hard work, employees will feel valued and appreciated.
- Encouraging employees to share their experiences and thoughts about the holiday break is another important step. Communication is key to any successful relationship whether that relates to one’s personal or professional life. Creating an open communication channel to hear their feedback and suggestions on how to improve their work-life balance can help foster a culture of trust and respect.
- Providing opportunities for social interaction and team-building activities after the holiday break is another effective way to boost staff morale. The best teams are those that work together and play together. By promoting a sense of community among team members, employees are more likely to feel invested in their work and motivated to succeed.
- Offering incentives or rewards to employees who perform well after the holiday break is another effective strategy. It is a smart parenting tip I learned early on with two children under five – by rewarding success (good behaviour) I found it creating more of it! By recognising and celebrating employees’ achievements, you are reinforcing the value of hard work and motivating employees to strive for excellence.
- Providing opportunities for professional development and training is another way to show employees that you value their growth and development. We work with both the PRCA and The Alliance of Independent Agencies who run excellent and affordable training programmes for communications professionals. The best investment a company can make is in its people. By investing in your employees, you are investing in the future success of your company.
- Encouraging a healthy work-life balance is another important factor in boosting staff morale. A good work-life balance is crucial for success and happiness, even more so as many agency staff are working from home now. By promoting flexible work arrangements and setting realistic goals and expectations, you can help reduce stress and increase job satisfaction among employees.
- Regularly checking in with employees is another essential step in understanding and boosting staff morale. By providing regular one-on-one meetings, performance evaluations, feedback sessions, and Pulse Check surveys, you are creating a culture of open communication and feedback. The key is to listen then act on that data to ensure the trust is built and maintained.
- Fostering a positive work environment is also essential in boosting staff morale. Karen Brady, entrepreneur, and author said, “Inclusive, diverse cultures are better for business – they drive innovation, creativity, and results.” By promoting inclusivity and diversity, you are creating a work environment where employees feel valued and respected.
- Providing opportunities for employees to take breaks throughout the workday is another effective strategy. We need to accept that we won’t always make the right decisions, but it is how we handle those mistakes that are key. By encouraging employees to step away from their screens and take a break, you can help reduce stress and increase confidence and resilience to handle stuff when it goes pear shaped.
- Creating a wellness program that focuses on physical, mental, and emotional health is also essential. It is key to support your team to feel comfortable and confident and to be able to bring their real selves to work. By offering gym memberships, healthy snacks in the office, and access to mental health resources, you are prioritising the well-being of your employees and creating a culture of self-care and support.
- Celebrating employees’ achievements is another important step in boosting staff morale. I have always maintained it is really important to celebrate your successes. And notice and learn from mistakes. By recognising and celebrating employees’ achievements, you reinforce the value of hard work and motivate employees to continue striving for excellence.
- Encouraging a culture of learning and development is also essential in boosting staff morale. Stretch your team, give them appropriate new responsibilities, and co-create a vision for each and every one of your people. By providing opportunities for employees to learn new skills, take on new challenges, and participate in cross-functional projects, you create a culture of growth and development.
The most effective strategies for understanding and boosting staff morale will vary based on the unique needs and culture of your organisation. By staying attuned to your employees’ feedback and needs, you can continually refine and improve your approach to creating a positive work environment.
In short, prioritising the well-being and happiness of your employees, you are setting your business up for success. From fostering a positive work environment to providing opportunities for learning and development, there are many ways to boost staff morale following a Bank Holiday break. By implementing these strategies, you can create a happy and engaged workforce that will drive the success and sustainability of your business.
Happy Holidays!