Sometimes it’s the little things that count the most

For many of us, this period of economic uncertainty is the worst we have experienced in our lifetime. Everyday we are hit with news of significant company losses, drastic fluctuations in the stock market, record unemployment numbers, and the list goes on.
With this constant barrage of bad news, companies are being forced to do more with less – fewer employees, leaner budgets, but with the same demands.

With the increased pressures facing the American workforce today, it is especially important to maintain employee morale. According to the American Institute of Stress (www.stress.org), worries and fears related to the workplace represent the leading source of stress in American adults. More than ever, employees need to feel valued, informed and motivated.

A number of occupational-related organizations and resources, including www.hrtools.com, outline tips for how best to maintain employee morale. Several HR experts note it is best to continually communicate with employees about the health of the company, changes in staff, economic conditions, etc. Author, executive coach and communications consultant, Suzanne Bates feels talking with employees daily and even hourly is necessary as informed employees are empowered employees.

Most of all, it’s the little things that count. Thanking employees for going the extra mile, praising exemplary performance and consistent public recognition are recession-proof practices every organization should exercise.

One mid-sized Wisconsin business recently instituted “Therapeutic Thursdays” where the workforce gathers for an hour to reflect, recharge and reconnect. Teams listen to music, enjoy snacks or just talk. Managers report that this weekly - inexpensive - activity has been very well received by the employees and has strengthened the company’s culture.

At Emanate, we have made efforts to maintain our play hard, work hard ethic. We recently celebrated Fat Tuesday with the first annual Emanate Bake-Off where several staff members channeled their inner Betty Crocker to earn bragging rights as the best baker. Over half the staff competed in this year’s Oscar poll and soon, we will prepare for the internal March Madness tournament. The prizes aren’t significant, but the temporary distraction from the day’s news fuels a better working environment. Birthdays are now celebrated with homemade treats versus purchased pricy specialty creations, but the celebrations are just as meaningful. Friday afternoon happy hours still exist – we’re just supporting America’s breweries instead of costly imports.

Here’s to getting through it together and coming back stronger.

Kathleen McGraw