Don’t Underestimate the Power of Positivity

5 Steps to Raising the Morale of your Business

I recently came across an article by Jacob Harper, about the necessity of encouragement in the work place. I connected to this concept on a personal level, as I thrive in a positive work atmosphere, but who doesn’t? Your staff will be more willing to do a superior job for you and your business, when the company morale is high. His article “5 Easy Ways to Brighten Your Employee’s Day” breaks down five quick things you can do to boost the morale around your company.

1. Appreciate your personnel – According to Harper, the top complaint of employees is that they are under-appreciated. They are probably doing a lot of small daily tasks that you might be taking for granted. Let them know, from time-to-time, that you see those small tasks and that they are valued.

2. Get your hands dirty with them – Your employees will respect you more, if you get on their level and work alongside them every now and then. A supervisor should not ask their staff to do anything that they would not do. You can always relate to people better, if you have been where they have been.

3. Ask them what they need – Your employees will be more content and willing to do an excellent job, when they feel that their voices are heard. It is not realistic to apply all of their ideas, but they might have some good ones for your business that you have not yet thought of.

4. Give a small gift – When you acknowledge your employees with a small token of appreciation, they will feel valued. Listen to their needs; it could be something as small as a new pen, if their favorite pen ran out of ink, or something bigger, such as a gift certificate to their favorite restaurant.

5. Raises! – Money is power, but make sure that it is used appropriately. Do not use a bonus as a bribe. Look at implementing raises as a gift, expecting nothing in return. This will show your employees that you are grateful for their hard work, and they in turn, will want to do a superior job.

I understand that depending on the size of your business, implementing all five of these ideas at once, might be too much. I would recommend starting with a simple, “Thank you for all of your hard work” and watch how far that spreads. Positivity in the workplace can only better your business and in turn, create more satisfied customers.

Featured Recipe

Creepy Mummy Dogs

This fun Halloween themed snack from divinedinnerparty.com will be a great side at any party.

Yield: 8 Servings

Ingredients:

• 1 (11 oz.) can refrigerated breadstick dough
• 2 slices cheddar cheese (quartered)
• 8 Hot Dogs
• Black Mustard Seeds
• Ketchup & Mustard (optional)

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 375 degrees
2. Place one slice cheddar cheese on each hot dog
3. Wrap each dog with dough to look like a mummy, leaving an open area for the eyes
4. Cut two tiny slits in the exposed hot dog and insert the mustard seeds for “eyes”
5. Place on ungreased baking sheet and bake for 15 min, until golden
6. (optional) Serve with ketchup and mustard