In today’s fast-paced world, the challenge of burnout is greater than ever. As a result, firms are seeing a drop in productivity and morale. However, there are some simple changes employers can make to help reverse this trend.
Too much work and too little time can only mean one thing – employee burnout, resulting in lower productivity and morale. And in an environment of advancing technology and an increase in low-cost competitors, law firms too risk high turnover rates and disengagement of current attorneys without implementing work culture improvements.
Employee burnout is the result of working under stressful conditions for too long. In a work culture that requires more of its employees each day, it’s no wonder that seven in ten employees have reported feeling unengaged, according to a Gallup study. It doesn’t stop there. As mentioned, burnt out and disengaged employees are less productive and experience lower levels of morale. This, in turn, harms a company’s bottom line.
Unfortunately, this epidemic isn’t an isolated issue and it is unlikely that the work cycle slows anytime soon. However, there are steps that can be taken to support employees, boost productivity and increase morale.
With that in mind, here are a few actionable simple changes to boost productivity and morale.
Lead by Example
Great leaders hold the responsibility to set the standard. This is why it is also important for leaders to exemplify the healthy habits of a hard worker through transformational leadership characteristics. Employees who have a leader that is energized and enthusiastic about the work that they perform are, in turn, encouraged to approach work with the same zeal. Luckily, habits are contagious, and – with a dedicated leader to exemplify the desired behaviors – productivity and morale can be influenced. Don’t hesitate to act on this simple office change; after all, it only takes one to set a trend.
Award Hard Work with Recognition
If food is the key to the heart, then recognition is the key to unlocking high employee morale. How do you feel when someone expresses their gratitude for something you’ve done?
Acts like praising performance, awarding accomplishments, or simply saying ‘thank you’ is enough to trigger responses in the brain that increase morale and productivity. Still not convinced? Try putting a monetary incentive in place to motivate workers. There’s nothing wrong with a little healthy workplace competition!
Grant PTO
At the end of the day, the simplest way to boost morale and productivity is a day off. Time away from the office allows employees to reset, reenergize, and reevaluate. Consider implementing mental health days, a half-day Friday program, or unlimited vacation time to give employees the needed break to reenergize. The recent trend of implementing four-day work weeks, for example, has shown a rise in employee productivity and motivation.
These simple tips are just the tip of the iceberg; however, small changes like rewarding employees for their hard work can mean the difference between a highly-motivated and disengaged employee. Above all, it is important to recognize that it is okay to allow employees to slow down and recharge.
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