Poor workplace communication is the main source of low employee morale, according to the results of an Accountemps survey released October 22.
In a survey of 300 human resources managers, 25% of respondents said a breakdown in communication is the main driver behind poor morale.
"Ineffective or incomplete communication between managers and employees could spell the difference between a team that is engaged and one that is suffering from low morale," said Greg Scileppi, president of Robert Half, international staffing operations. "Fostering an environment of two-way communication can help boost morale by making staff feel engaged.
"Managers can start by keeping their teams informed of company goals, challenges and business performance while encouraging staff to ask questions and provide feedback."
The other responses when asked what factors led to poor morale included:
- micromanaging (18%);
- failure to recognize employee achievements (18%);
- fear of job loss (17%); and
- excessive workloads for extended periods (16%).
When asked what could remedy poor morale, the human resources managers' responses included:
- increase communication (37%);
- start recognition programs (22%);
- provide monetary rewards for exceptional performance (16%);
- give unexpected rewards, such as event tickets or gift certificates (9%);
- team building events and meetings (9%); and
- additional days off (2%).
@EmmaCrawfordBIV
