Boosting morale has a huge impact on employee satisfaction. A positive work environment can improve job performance and reduce employee turnover.
A happy and motivated workforce is more likely to be engaged and committed to their tasks. And all of this translates into greater productivity and, ultimately, profitability.
So, here are 9 fun ways to boost morale at work and transform the atmosphere of your business.
1. Make Work Fun With Themed Dress-Up Days
We all loved playing dress-up as a kid (at least I know I did!), and the fun doesn’t have to end just because we’re adults. Instituting bi-monthly or quarterly dress-up days is a fun — and free — way to boost morale at work.
You can even choose a theme for your dress-up days to encourage staff to get creative and think outside the box.
From superheroes to ugly Christmas sweaters to Star Wars (May the 4th, anyone?), the possibilities are as endless as your imagination.
See who can come up with the most unique and exciting costumes.
This helps build a culture of innovation and collaboration, and also makes it easy to introduce a little friendly competition.
Offer prizes, such as a bag of candy, for the person with the best costume so your employees are really motivated to show off their creativity.
2. Up the Ante With Office Competitions
Like I said, healthy competition is good for motivation and pushing people to excel. But there's something even better than that — team building through play!
Office scavenger hunts are the perfect way to combine the two. Create (or download) a scavenger hunt and have your staff search the office for clues and complete different challenges.
It's a great way to create a fun atmosphere and strengthen the bond between colleagues.
Incorporating office scavenger hunts into your office routine can boost your employees' morale.
They will appreciate the break from the daily grind while also sharing accomplishments and gaining a deeper understanding of each other's strengths and weaknesses.
Regardless of who finishes first, everybody wins!
3. Celebrate Birthdays With a Paid Day Off
Birthdays are such a special day, and everyone appreciates the opportunity to take some time off and enjoy it with the people they love.
Offering your employees a paid day off on their birthday can show them how much you value them.
It gives them a chance to spend quality time with their family and friends or even just enjoy some personal time.
Celebrate your employees' birthdays with a day off and watch their spirits rise and their productivity soar.
4. Build a Volunteer Culture
Your employees can make a real difference in the lives of those in need by volunteering as a team.
There are so many amazing ways your staff can get involved in volunteering activities. You can make it a regular commitment by serving together once a month at your local food bank or homeless shelter.
Or you can choose one large event to participate in each year, like an annual fundraising walk or service day. The benefits of building a volunteer culture are numerous.
It helps those in need by providing valuable services while cementing your team’s unity and improving the image of your organization. Wins all around!
5. Institute Wellness Programs
It’s so important to foster wellness within your team, and there are a ton of ways you can do so.
Encourage employees to attend mental health workshops. Offer yoga or fitness classes. Host mindfulness sessions.
While it may sound a little “out there”, mindfulness is simply the practice of being present and fully engaged in the moment.
It can help your employees develop a greater sense of calm and contentment that will transfer into their work.
Wellness events are also a great way to bring your employees together. Make it fun by hosting activities such as team-building exercises or meditation classes.
6. Encourage Actual Lunch Breaks
It can be hard to prioritize lunch breaks, especially if you work in a fast-paced environment, but it really is so important.
Taking a break to stretch, move around and eat can help your employees reduce their levels of stress and tension.
It's a great time for them to connect with each other and share some laughs. Plus, the mental break gives them a chance to refocus, which helps their problem-solving skills.
Encouraging actual lunch breaks shows your team you understand the importance of a healthy work-life balance.
It allows them to take a step back and enjoy some downtime even in the midst of a chaotic day.
7. Encourage and Model Generosity
Generosity is a beautiful quality that can have a profound impact on both our personal and professional lives.
It's about being willing to share your resources with others. When you encourage a culture of generosity among your employees, you're promoting a positive work environment.
You're also building a strong foundation for a successful and united team.
Offer your staff small but thoughtful gifts, such as their favorite chocolates and a handwritten note. This simple act can make a big difference in showing that you value their contributions.
Generosity goes beyond simple financial gifting. It's also about offering support and encouragement, whether it's through a kind word or a listening ear.
8. Ask for and Accept Honest Feedback
When you ask for feedback, make it clear that it's meant to help your business grow and improve.
Give your employees a chance to speak freely, whether that’s through open communication or an anonymous suggestion box.
Fostering an atmosphere of collaboration is crucial to keeping up morale. Don’t be afraid to offer suggestions and ask for clarification.
Take ownership of the feedback you receive and recognize the value of the input. Then, commit to making the necessary changes, and watch your business flourish.
9. Sweeten the Office With a Candy Bowl
A simple candy bowl can have a profound impact on your employee morale. It can brighten up their day and add a touch of fun to the work atmosphere.
It can even promote team bonding and encourage everyone to collaborate. The candy bowl is a natural place for employees to gather around.
It’s where connections are made and problems are solved. Make it even more fun by “dressing up” the candy bowl for theme days or to celebrate special occasions.
Don’t forget to switch up the selection of candies and give everyone a chance to choose their favorite treats!
Sweeten the Office With a Deskgoodies Candy Bowl
If you’re ready to sweeten up office life for your team, do it with a Deskgoodies candy bowl!
This convenient monthly candy subscription is a great way to improve team spirit in your workplace.
You can choose from our selection of over 45 premium candy and chocolates and have it delivered right to your office every month. We even provide the bowl!
Our candy subscription plans save you both time and money. They are competitively priced and eliminate the need for you to shop around.
We bring the candy right to you, and shipping is free all across the US.
So why wait? Contact us today and start experiencing the sweet side of office life!
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is employee recognition crucial for workplace morale?
When employees know that their efforts are acknowledged and appreciated, they are more likely to be engaged and committed to their work.
Make an effort to recognize and applaud hard work, whether that’s through a small gift, a day off, or a simple thank you.
How do you motivate a team with low morale?
It's important to remember that everyone's motivation levels can vary. For a team with low morale, focus on building a positive work environment.
Encourage communication and set achievable goals. Don’t be afraid to ask your employees for feedback and to share their ideas.
How do candy bowls contribute to boosting morale?
Candy bowls provide a delightful and satisfying sweet treat that takes staff minds off work-related stress and concerns.
Taking a moment to indulge in a sweet treat can help your employee improve their moods.