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Improving Morale and Motivation

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Improving Morale and Motivation

It has come to your attention that Low employee morale can have adverse effects on productivity and motivation in the workplace. “One of the biggest reasons organizations don't achieve their goals is an unwillingness to deal with low-performing employees.” (MacLean,Lang 2012). Realize that the first step begins with the employer recognizing the value of their staff members. There is a pervasive attitude that if someone resigns today, another is easily found tomorrow to fill their place with little inconvenience. While this may be true to an extent, having to advertise, interview and train a new employee can be counterproductive and costly. “Organizations are akin to social marketplaces where employees exchange effort and behavior for instrumental and socioemotional rewards” (Cropanzano and Mitchell, 2005).
Presenting employees with rewards and recognition can create enthusiasm which often spreads among the workplace. Everybody enjoys having their achievements recognized by others. If effort goes unnoticed, then staff members will wonder why they should bother. A moment or two in the form of emphasizing how that employee’s efforts have helped will cost nothing and will go a long way toward increasing motivation and self-esteem. Sometimes something more is required, which is why you may want to apply for a rewards program. “When employees perceive that their organization meets its obligations, such as distributing rewards fairly, members experience beneficial boosts in their morale which in turn increases the likelihood that employees will reciprocate in kind with behaviors desired by the organization” (e.g. Rosen et al., 2009; Shore et al., 2004; Tekleab et al., 2005).
There are types of occasions that merit special recognition. Examples of reasons for recognition and reward :
• Safety (Including recognition for

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