What are some ways that employers can boost moral without spending a lot of money?

Question

I work for a small company with a very tight budget. I've noticed some dissention in the ranks and wanted to make some suggestions to the higher- ups but know that anything costing $$ will be shot down. What are some things that your bosses have done that made you feel appreciated? What are thngs you've done for employees that worked well to increase morale? What do you wish your boss/ company would do for you?

Thanks in advance!

Answer 1

Its so nice to hear that someone actually wants to boost employee morale still. They certainly don't where I work.

It is halloween time, and I know it soudns a little corny, but we always had an office/cube decorating contest. Sometimes whole rows of people would get together to make a haunted house out of their row. The employees provided all of the decorations, but then there was a (usually small) prize given out to the winner, with some munchies throughout the day.

Wouldn't take much money out of pocket for the execs, and it definitely gives the employees a much needed diversion from the norm.

Answer 2

Saying thank you always helps. Listen to employee ideas and make them feel that they can make a difference. Reward those who go beyond what is asked by letting them have an extra long lunch hour or come in a little late or leave a little early on a Friday. It doesnt cost much to once in a while bring in donuts or bagels. In the summer I used to make a trip to the ice cream store on a hot day to get treats for my employees. I gave them all little trick or treat bags on Halloween and Herseys kisses on Valentines day. We had some pot luck lunches, one day last fall everyone brought in soup to share in crock pots and I provided the sandwiches. If people feel valued and part of the company family there would be fewer morale problems.

Answer 3

Start a Section 132f program. Employees set aside pre-tax money to pay for their commuting expenses: the cost of public transportation and parking. Upon presentation of a receipt for those expenses, the company reimburses the employee for the expenses, using the money deducted pre-tax from the employee's paycheck. Net cost for company is zero. But employees save serious payroll taxes (approximately $33 for each $100 of commuting expenses.)

Also look into a Section 125 Flexible Spending Account. Employees set aside money for dependent care expenses and medical expenses, saving serious payroll taxes.

Answer 4

My company (we have 40 employees) does a "Dip & Dessert".

We break into teams of about 6 people and everyone makes a savory (dip) or sweet (dessert) snack. Each group selects a place at the office and decorates. We invite members of our association to judge our food items and decor and give out prizes for best dip, best dessert, and best decor. (You could have your executives doing the judging.) We do gift cards but you could do a few paid hours off instead.

Last year my team set up in the parking lot with sand, beach balls and a kiddie pool. Another team did a Harry Potter theme and another team did a Candy Land theme... it was fun!

Good luck! :)

ty42

Answer 5

Well, they could cease making the secret "A*shole 101" class that all bosses apparently take a requirement...start treating their employees like human beings instead of robots with numbers and bar codes tattooed on their foreheads or like punk teenager trainees that are working there solely for the purpose of earning more weed money. Behavior like that from bosses speak volumes more than any monetary compensation will, and morale will jump higher. Employees need to feel appreciated, like they are doing a good job.

Answer 6

I use to work in the workforce department of a company and we would always come accross that problem. One thing that we implamented was a dress down pass. The company is very professional and for one day the person that won the insentive would be allowed to dress down.

Answer 7

A pat on the back doesn't cost much. Being appreciated is what most people want. Search for when someone does something right and give a little praise. However expect at some point there should be some compensation for a job well done.

Answer 8

have a pot luck luncheon, have everyone bring in something and spend some time away from your desks as a reward. we also have certain days we all wear certain things (hats...) i love it around here, i wouldn't change my job for the world

i don't know what kind of field you work in, but consider letting employees leave a few minutes early on fridays if their goals are met.....

Answer 9

For me, all it takes is for a manager to actually say "Great job", "Thanks", etc things like that.

I've found that this small gesture is so freakin hard to come by and some managers do not get that it really helps to boost moral just by noticing and complementing!!