Employee Satisfaction - Respect And Appreciation

When economic conditions lag, organizations frequently begin to cut costs

. One of the first things they do is to reduce some of the "extras" they offer to employees. This dampens spirits and often starts the cycle that decreases employee satisfaction and results in employee disengagement. They begin to feel undervalued, daily duties become uninteresting, and negativity begins to spread. This translates to staff that is unmotivated and inefficient. This will adversely effect the bottom line over time. There are several steps an organization can take to improve morale and increase productivity. Fresh brewed coffee or tea can be a great pick-me-up for many employees.

This helps them stay productive throughout the day and they appreciate the gesture. Many organizations have moved to a team-centric work environment. This sometimes means that individuals and their contributions are not acknowledged. Personal accomplishments as well as birthdays and milestones, such as anniversaries, birth of a new child or even the loss of those last 20 pound should be recognized and celebrated. Employee satisfaction increases when they feel like a valued individual in a team environment, rather than one anonymous worker among many. A handwritten note, flowers or any type of personal touch will make the employee feel unique and appreciated.

Managers and supervisors who show an active interest in their team members are often rewarded with increased productivity and employee satisfaction. Treating them with courtesy and respect goes a long way to improving mind-set towards their jobs. Employee recognition often gets lost in the day-to-day routine of the business. Organizations that consistently recognize and appreciate individual performance frequently have lower turnover rates and experience higher levels of morale. Employees become more engaged, and less likely to become embroiled in negative gossip. When interest and energy peaks, so do efficiency and productivity.

Personal attention from the manager in a positive manner, whether it is in the team environment, or individually makes the employee feel more connected with the company. Scheduled team meetings or one-on-one discussions addressing concerns, and answering questions about new company policies or anything that affects their daily duties is an informal way to alleviate concerns. It is also a perfect opportunity to present personal acknowledgements and to get to know their employees on a more personal level. Learning about their personal interests and family while sharing a bit about their own will be appreciated. A team meeting is also an opportunity to celebrate and socialize, allowing team members to bond and increase employee satisfaction.

by: Troy Truman

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