How to Raise Group Morale

Group morale building creates an atmosphere that benefits everyone.

Boost group morale and you will improve relationships and form a more cohesive and stronger-functioning team. You can affect efficiency in the workplace, success in sports, ability in fundraising and group volunteer efforts. Stressful environments, high expectations and challenging workloads can cause morale to plummet. A team leader must learn the skills to motivate and inspire, and create a culture of respect and cooperation.

Instructions

1. 

   Good morale in the workplace increases productivity.

   Improve morale in your workplace by implementing employee appreciation days, picnics, or Christmas parties. Allow employees and managers to relax and communicate in a more informal setting. Money talks; bonuses encourage employees to work harder and well-paid employees have better morale. Read Fortune Magazine's "Top Rated Companies to Work For" list, which is generated every year. The number one company for 2010, software provider SAS, provides on-site child care, a medical center, fitness center, lending library and summer camp. Other leading companies allow employees to bring their dogs to work or provide free lunches.

2. 

   A simple "thank you" goes a long way.

   Increase morale in your volunteer group. Working as a volunteer has its own rewards, however, unpaid workers often burn out. Budget for a volunteer appreciation day or other events. This is an appropriate use of funds, since most charitable organizations need volunteers to function. Promote the work of your volunteers through public relations or media releases. Provide volunteers with the opportunity to learn more than menial tasks. Badges, T-shirts and other items identify volunteers and help them to feel part of a group. Recognize outstanding volunteers with certificates or trophies to increase pride in volunteer work.

3. 

   A good teacher inspires students and helps build positive relationships.

   Encourage students by being a morale booster. If you are a school administrator, ensure that the teaching staff has good morale. Recognize teachers who have built a special rapport with their students. Help students and build morale simply by listening and allowing students to express themselves. Children and teenagers often feel that adults are not interested in their concerns. Learn active listening skills; communication does more for morale than a gold star.

4. 

   A coach's mandate is to be a morale booster.

   Build group morale in your competitive sports team by improving your coaching skills. Encouragement and inspiration are the hallmarks of good coaching. Never single out an individual for criticism in front of teammates. Inspire your team and let them know you believe in their abilities. Take a coaching course to learn new techniques.

5. 

   Cheer on your group or team.

   Develop passion for your activities and that fervor will be contagious. You can inspire any group of people to reach further if you are a good team leader who appreciates your team. Acknowledge the talent and dedication your team brings to the project. Morale is contingent on feeling respected and needed.

Tips & Warnings

• Group or team leaders should take management courses, which stress morale building.

• Group leaders should never let their own problems interfere with their relationships with their team.

• Loss of morale leads to malfeasance, theft, malingering and a high overturn of staff.

References

• Educause: Improve Morale and Reduce Stress, Communicate
• Money: CNN: Fortune Magazine: Best Companies 2010
• Susan Anthony: Resources: Morale
• Volunteer Centres Kent: Homepage

Resources

• Business Mantra: Morale Building Ideas