Page 121 - Anne Bruce - Building A HIgh Morale Workplace (2002)

The High Price of Low Morale 101

to be untrue and concentrate on the rumors that have
merit and could possibly trigger serious morale problems.

❏ Never argue with an employee or attempt to sell your
viewpoint. Just explain it from the heart. Let the employee
know specifically how his or her actions and negative

behavior are making you feel and how they are affecting
the morale of the workplace.
❏ Treat employees who are complainers and whiners like

adults, not children. Let them know you have confidence in
their ability to handle a variety of situations with positive
results.

❏ At some point you will have to discuss the consequences if
an employee continues to perform poorly or refuses help.
Be honest and direct about the matter.

❏ Always protect the confidentiality and privacy of your
employees. Never repeat something about an employee’s
personal life without his or her permission to do so.

❏ Seek to find common ground with employees who are
defensive.

❏ Whether the problem affecting morale is burnout, cut-
backs, or layoffs, listen to your employees. Spend time
with them. You don’t have to have all the answers; you just

have to be available.
❏ If you intend to build positive morale among employees,
start by treating them all like partners.