Ideas to improve climate in the workplace

[chrisquinze]

Hi

We currently have in our department an overall unsatisfactory climate i.e. people don't feel good when they come into work each day.

Has anyone experienced or know of any initiatives that we could use to improve staff morale? We are looking for as many ideas as possible, even wacky ones! Anything that can be done to make people feel more motivated that doesn't involve changes to their contractual terms i.e. salary, holidays etc.

[dagr]

Sorry for being presumptious, but it sounds like you're trying to jump the hurdles in one go rather than one at a time. First, I'd want to know what are the fundamental reasons for the bad work climate, or at least ask those involved what they thought were the reasons for the bad climate. One-to-ones are best, at least at the start.

Make sure you know what the problems are before moving on to finding a solution. Otherwise, you'll just be papering over the cracks and eventually failing.

[Cornish Steve]

Does everyone in the office:

1) Have a clearly defined role with established objectives?

2) Know how their performance is measured and rewarded?

3) Have the authority to make decisions related to their role?

4) Receive frequent feedback on their performance?

5) Receive guidance and encouragement when feeling lost?

6) Know who to turn to when feeling discouraged?

[Pebble Communications]

This is a sign of a problem that won't be cured by a few wacky stunts or extras; in fact that can cause more resentment if staff feel there is a serious issue that is being ignored.

Steve has some good suggestions for aspects to look at but also:
Problem with manager?
Problem with bullying?
Problem that your salary/packages etc has fallen behind the industry 'norm' so people feel undervalued?
Is the office dark, gloomy, grubby, cramped, uncomfortable in some way?
Are staff aware of plans and changes being arranged at higher levels without being consulted or informed (people know a damn site more than most bosses give them credit for, and the rumour factory can seriously damage a company).
Talk to them. Find out why everyone is feeling that way. Then try to fix the real problem. They can't still be feeling that back-to-work-after-new-year slump.

[bwglaw]

I have found 'Away Days' to be successful and use an experienced facilitator. The facilitator can create some activities to resolve some of the issues. An Away Day gives everyone the opportunity to interact on a social level and share ideas and give their honest views of the workplace. When I was a Director for one charity I arranged one of these and it certainly revealed some interesting facts/views.

Jonathan