As a small business owner, you’ve got your hands full.
Running a small business requires a team of dedicated and trustworthy employees who value its success as much as you do.
There is nothing better than a “well-oiled machine” in terms of the staff that makes up your business.
The reality, however, is that the well-oiled machine you dream of (while it may exist at times) will always need some work.
Low employee morale is at times an inevitable part of any business. But before you can resolve the issue, you have to get to the root of the problem.
Possible causes
It could be one issue that is having an effect on your staff, or multiple issues could be to blame. Consider this list of possible causes:
- Poor communication – This is a two-way street. Issues can arise when communication is lacking or if the communication employees do get is in-direct and confusing. It’s also very hard for employees if they have things they’d like to communicate to management but don’t feel comfortable doing it.
- Unrecognized skill sets – An employee whose full potential isn’t being recognized is bad for morale and bad for business. Whether an employee is in a position that requires too little of them or too much from them, it’s imperative to move them to a position that better suits their skill set.
- Lack of training – Nothing is more frustrating for an employee than being poorly trained. Knowing they have expectations to meet but not entirely sure of what those expectations are, they are likely to feel set up for failure.
- Inconsistent goals – This ties in somewhat with poor communication. Employees working towards a goal are eager for feedback. If they don’t hear anything about their progress or find that the goals they’ve been working towards have changed, they are likely to feel that the hard work they’ve put in doesn’t matter. This is not a confidence booster for anyone.
- Other issues – Because there are so many other factors in play, it’s critical to do some investigating. Are there issues between employees that need resolved? Are there concerns about wages or benefits? Is the issue somewhat isolated or more widespread throughout the business?
Determining the root cause (or causes) behind why employee morale is low is critical in enacting the right resolution.
There is a remedy for every issue listed here and then some.
If you suspect your business is facing the issue of low employee morale, contact us for more information on recognizing the signs and what to do to improve the situation.
LUXA provides accounting, payroll, and hr solutions for small and mid-size businesses. Call us today for a free consultation 918.928.7288.
