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Human Resources Expert Expert: Margaret Lobenstine
Morale-boosting tips
Q: Can you offer some general employee morale–boosting tips? Our small textile firm was just bought by a larger company, and some workers are distracted and anxious.
A: There are three possible issues involved in this question: 1) ways to increase morale generally, 2) ways to help employees deal with a normal fear of change, and 3) ways to help employees deal with fear of job loss.
General morale raisers
- Involve employees in as many decisions as possible, including this question of what would improve morale.
- Bring humor into the workplace by encouraging employees as well as management to put jokes/cartoons up on time clocks, bulletin boards, in the lunchroom, etc.
- Publicly affirm company strengths employees have helped make possible: this month we exceeded sales of five years ago by X.
- Focus on employees' non–work strengths and interests: monthly bios in a newsletter or on a bulletin board that include Hobbies, Ways I like to Make a Difference, A Relative I'm Proud Of.
Dealing with change
- Provide a forum for employees' questions and send them to new owners.
- Remind employees of company changes that they've already successfully weathered: the new computer system, the centralization of production process X, a change in the number of shifts.
- Point out any positives the change may bring, i.e. a bigger company may have better benefits.
Dealing with approaching job loss
- Research new owner's previous acquisition pattern.
- If much of work force retained, let employees know. Also, update employee files to reflect strengths and experience, motivating new management to keep them.
- If many existing workers were laid off, then give potentially affected employees as much information as possible re: outsizing services, COBRA provisions protecting their health insurance, local job placement programs, and how to apply for unemployment. Make it clear that excellent references will be given and no one who begins job hunting will be judged negatively.
Factual information is far more helpful in this situation than false optimism.
Some issues discussed in the expert forum are complex and continually changing.We recommend you consult a professional advisor about your specific circumstances, needs, and applicable laws. More details.