How Practice Managers Can Combat Low Morale

Is your team feeling a little flat? Workplace morale is a critical factor that influences employee engagement, performance and overall organisational success, particularly in high-stakes environments like healthcare

CREDIT: This is an edited version of an article that originally appeared on Indeed

Strong morale in the workplace is a crucial factor that directly influences the success and productivity of an organisation. Employee morale refers to the overall feelings and attitudes of staff towards their work, encompassing their job satisfaction, level of engagement and outlook on their roles. When morale is high, employees are motivated, committed and more likely to go above and beyond in their duties.

Conversely, in workplaces with low morale, employees often feel disconnected from their work, experience dissatisfaction with their responsibilities and may lack enthusiasm for their roles.

In healthcare settings, the impact of low morale can be particularly concerning. The causes of low morale in healthcare settings can vary, but often include heavy workloads, understaffing, inadequate support from management, limited professional development opportunities and feelings of being undervalued. Addressing this is essential not only for the well-being of staff but also for maintaining a high standard of patient care.

Attitude Changes

If you suspect that low morale is affecting your workplace, it’s important to observe the environment for signs and supporting evidence. Pay attention to how employees interact with each other and approach their tasks. If they seem disengaged, disinterested, or appear bored, this can be a clear indicator of low morale. Offering opportunities for professional growth, training and advancement can help employees feel more invested in their roles.

Loss of Interest

Employees assigned to repetitive tasks may become disengaged and lose interest over time. To combat this, it’s important to introduce new challenges, projects and concepts that keep the work dynamic fresh and stimulating. Offering varied tasks can encourage growth, enhance skill development and provide a sense of accomplishment.

Rotate employees through different tasks or roles to break up the monotony and provide exposure to new skills and responsibilities. This keeps the workday interesting and allows employees to develop a broader skill set.

Unsatisfactory Performance

Low morale often results in decreased performance. When team members begin making more mistakes and show a lack of interest in delivering high-quality service, it’s a sign that negativity may be affecting the workplace environment.

Focus on constructive feedback that highlights strengths and offers actionable steps for improvement. Rather than only addressing mistakes, emphasise what employees are doing right and how they can build on it.

Decreased Productivity

When morale is low, productivity in the workplace typically declines. A lack of motivation and a negative atmosphere can lead to employees putting less effort into their tasks. In severe cases, when morale is particularly low, employees may become disengaged and indifferent to whether their work gets completed at all.

If employees are overwhelmed, they may become disengaged. Make sure workloads are reasonable and consider redistributing tasks or offering support if necessary. Encourage employees to maintain a healthy balance between work and personal life. When employees feel rested and supported, they’re more likely to perform at their best.