Workplace Gold Ch. 5 Morale Flashcards
The general feeling that employees have about their work, their organization, their leaders, and even their coworkers:
Morale
High morale, when achieved, can lead to improved employee: (5)
Improved employee:
-enthusiasm
-confidence
-satisfaction
-commitment
-performance
Most supervisors would agree that there appears to be a direct link between:
morale and job performance.
Do supervisors always hold absolute control over employee morale?
No.
Employees encounter diverse issues or problems, both at home and work, over which supervisors retain little or no control.
What is morale in the workplace?
The general feeling that employees have about their work, organization, leaders, and coworkers.
What factors can affect employee morale beyond a supervisor’s control?(7)
-Family issues
-relationship issues
-medical issues
-mental health issues
-financial issues
-drug and alcohol problems
-conflicts with coworkers or bosses
What might a supervisor wish they could provide to improve morale but often cannot?
grant them a pay raise; provide them with the latest equipment.
Note: But sometimes supervisors can do little more than suggest or advocate for such improvements
Who frequently gets blamed for employees low morale?
Leaders and supervisors.
But morale is an employees responsibility. Individuals are responsible for their own morale.
Who is ultimately responsible for an employees morale?
The individual employee.
What should supervisors and subordinates alike avoid letting others control?
Their:
-emotions
-work ethic
-character.
What should a supervisor not do when subordinates complain about morale issues?
Tell them it is their responsibility.
Note: It is one thing to understand the concept of morale responsibility, and another entirely different thing to come across like you do not care.
What should supervisors do when faced with legitimate complaints from subordinates?
Listen to their concerns and fix what you can fix.
What is the most significant factor affecting employee morale?
The work environment.
The most significant factor affecting morale is the work environment. But too often, people think of the work environment as the:
building they work in, their office, their equipment, the vehicle they drive, or other physical resources.
What can be considered part of the work environment?
Overtime issues (too much, too little) and resource availability (such as absence of paper in the printer)
Why might some employees develop low morale related to overtime?
They are forced to work too much or there is too little overtime offered.
What might be a temporary work environment issue influencing morale?
A nagging computer problem or lack of printer paper
What is a supervisor’s role regarding resources and the physical work environment?
recommending, suggesting, and occasionally making improvements
what aspect of the work environment does a supervisor have considerable control over?
The work environment they create through their interactions and behavior
What does a supervisor control in terms of employee perceptions?
Perceptions about their character, integrity, and work ethic.
What contributes to a safe work environment?
treating coworkers with dignity and respect.
What should supervisors understand about addressing problems?
It might not always result in a miracle cure for morale.
What happens if a supervisor ignores legitimate concerns of complaints?
It hurts employee morale.
What is crucial for a Supervisor to know about their own morale?
It influences employee morale.
When are supervisors “onstage’?
The moment they set foot in the workplace.
How can a supervisor’s morale affect their employees?
It influences the employee’s morale.
What should supervisors do with subordinates complaints about the work environment?
Listen and address what they can.
What can a supervisor NOT control in the work environment?
All the physical resources and equipment.
What should supervisors avoid doing when trying to improve morale?
Ignoring problems and concerns.
What does the book suggest about supervisors and morale responsibility?
Employees are responsible for their own morale, but supervisors should still care and address issues.
What overall message does the book convey about employee morale?
It is influenced by both personal and work related factors, and both employees and supervisors play a role in it.
