IT jobs in Myanmar can be difficult but they are just as rewarding as any occupation in the country. Like in any other industry too, you will find employees in IT companies who have low morale or who feels unappreciated. In result, they do not perform as well as the other employees. There are plenty of reasons why this might occur; in some instances, these individuals are experiencing occupational burnout, which lowers their morale.
Stressed and unhappy employees with low morale might lead to bad output, low productivity, poor teamwork as well as cooperation, and increased cases of prolonged absence. This should be remedied immediately especially because employees are just as important as the management – they can make or break an organization’s success.
As a manager, you should take necessary steps to help boost your team’s morale. Here are some ways to do that.
Recognize Your Employees
A “good job” every once in a while goes a long way. When one of your team members did an excellent job or went beyond your expectations, congratulate them personally or with a handwritten note. Do not hesitate to praise deserving employees during meetings because it will encourage them and everyone else to always do their best. It will be beneficial for your employees to know that their hard work doesn’t go unnoticed and that they and their efforts are appreciated.
Celebrate Accomplishments
Showing employees the positive results of their hard work will help them reflect on their work and appreciate what they’ve done. This will also make them see, or remind them, of the meaning and purpose of their work in the first place. Seeing the impact of their outputs can boost their morale, help them gain confidence and satisfaction with their work, and probably encourage them to always find new ways to improve their work!
Treat Them as People
Show your team members that you don’t just see them as employees but as human beings with different priorities, likes, and dislikes as well. Let them know that you care for them by doing small things such as remembering birthdays, sending small gifts to new parents, or giving them small incentives every now and then like a gift certificate to their favorite restaurant! It also pays to get to know them so spend a couple of minutes talking to your employees in order to get to know them better. Employees are the lifeblood of an organization or a company. Therefore, it’s the company’s job to make sure that its employees are taken care of and are happy with their jobs.
Have Fun
Have fun with your team! Joke with them every once in a while – it won’t hurt to be a little less serious every now and then. During down time, play card games (no gambling!) or console games such as bowling matches on the Wii or dancing competitions on the Xbox Kinect. If your employees are not fond of games, plan small gatherings instead! Hold potluck parties and department shows during certain times of the year. In the end, it doesn’t matter if there are prices or if the parties are huge, what’s important is your employees are having fun. It’s a great way to de-stress as well as clear and refresh their minds and bodies. Not only that, it is also a great way to bond with your teammates and fellow staff members, too!
Remember to also be genuine with your employees. Be sincere with your praises, efforts at socializing, and interactions with them in order to help boost your team’s morale.