(Newswire.net — February 25, 2021) —
In a recent survey by UK recruitment experts at 360 Resourcing, 90% of HR professionals expressed concern for boosting employee morale in 2021. With nations across the world facing the gradual lifting of COVID-19 restrictions this year, it is no surprise to see employers concerned for worker engagement upon a return to the workplace. Here we discuss why employee morale is so important, and how HR can help to increase it.
Why is employee morale so important?
Employee morale counts for a lot in any working environment. It can be the difference between a productive, successful workforce, and one that lacks motivation. Reasons why employers should focus on maintaining employee morale include:
- It promotes success within your workforce
- It increases worker retention
- It helps to attract new talent to your business
- It keeps your employees happy, healthy, and productive.
When spirits are high amongst your employees, their work is met with greater drive and enjoyment. This helps to create a workforce that not only delivers, but stays with your company for the long-run.
Return to work post-lockdown: how to boost worker morale
With companies across the globe preparing for a mass return to work as COVID-19 restrictions are lifted, employers must focus on lifting spirits within their team. This is crucial to ensure employees re-start their roles with confidence, and promote a positive workplace culture in which your colleagues can thrive.
Allow flexibility when bringing employees back to the office
Flexibility is important during any change within your business. By allowing your employees flexibility during their return to the office, you can help to boost morale during an otherwise challenging period. Flexible working policy, encouraging a gradual return to the workplace, can be incredibly effective in getting your employees back into the working routine.
Analyse changes in your EVP to engage employees
Your employee value proposition (EVP) the various reasons your employees choose to work for you. A lot has changed over the past 12 months, making it more important than ever to analyse any changes to your EVP. By surveying your employees on their most important, most desired, and least important working benefits, you can gain insight as to how your employer brand can support its workers through the year ahead.
Put wellbeing first: low spirits = low productivity
Wellbeing is often the driving force behind employee morale; the happier and healthier your employees feel, the higher their spirits are likely to be. By implementing clear wellbeing policy over the coming months, you can help to support your employees with any difficulties they may be facing.
The return to the office environment is bound to be a challenging time for many workers; focusing on wellbeing is crucial to setting your business back on the right tracks post-COVID.
Give your employees an understanding ear, and make it clear that flexibility can be provided if they are struggling. Mental health issues should be treated the same as any other illness; doing so is of paramount importance to boosting worker morale.
In summary
A recent survey by UK recruitment experts 360 resourcing found that 90% of HR professionals are concerned with boosting employee morale in 2021. With countries across the world lifting COVID-19 restrictions, employers are preparing to welcome their teams back to the office environment – a huge challenge for employee engagement.
Employee morale is important for a number of reasons; a happy, inspired workforce is the key to success in any business. Ensuring spirits remain high in the coming months will be crucial to getting your team back into the working routine.
By allowing flexibility for your employees, analysing changes to your EVP, and supporting worker wellbeing during this time, you can help to lift the spirits of your colleagues during this difficult period.