Every business faces periodic times of an increased productivity demand. This is especially true during economic down periods. During trying times, employees are simply happy to have a job, and most often will not expect additional benefits. Many are even willing to work through cut incentive programs, and reduced hours or salary.
To reduce stress and improve morale and employee satisfaction, employers can embrace simple incentive strategies such as a ‘thank you.’ During burdensome and exhausting work periods it’s important for business owners and mangers to show they care about the employees and the situation.
“It’s important to recognize the stress of high workloads, both for employees and their families,” explains Marcus Erb in Entrepreneur magazine. “Showing appreciation tells employees their leader understands the stress of their situation, sees them as people, not just workers, and helps gain support at home.”
Additional ways to help employees over the rough patch and boost morale, thereby enhancing productivity, is to provide breaks and stress free areas for the employees. It has been found that taking a break away from the source of stress, in this case the workload, can help reduce the pressure. While the affect may only be temporary, it does have benefits.
A New York PR company went so far as to create a “Scream Room” for its employees. It’s a ‘safe place’ for employees to vent their frustration.
Employees are the foundation of every business, showing ‘real’ concern for their well-being is crucial, especially during trying and intensive workload times. This in turn will help boost employee satisfaction and loyalty.
