You’re a manager who’s noticed low morale in your team. How can you help them feel more engaged?

1 Identify the causes

The first step to address low morale is to understand what is causing it. Is it due to workload, deadlines, feedback, or conflicts? Or is it related to external factors, such as personal issues, health, or the pandemic? You can use surveys, polls, or anonymous feedback tools to gather insights from your team. Ask them how they feel, what challenges they face, and what suggestions they have. Be open and empathetic, and show that you care about their opinions.

2 Communicate and connect

The second step is to communicate and connect with your team regularly. This is especially important if you work remotely, as isolation and lack of social interaction can lower morale. You can use video calls, chat apps, or online platforms to keep in touch, share updates, and celebrate achievements. You can also create virtual spaces for casual conversations, fun activities, or team-building exercises. Make sure you listen to your team, acknowledge their efforts, and give constructive feedback.

3 Empower and support

The third step is to empower and support your team to do their best work. You can use new technology to streamline workflows, automate tasks, or enhance collaboration. For example, you can use project management tools, cloud services, or online documents to organize, track, and share work. You can also use learning platforms, webinars, or podcasts to provide training, development, or inspiration. Make sure you set clear goals, expectations, and boundaries, and offer flexibility, autonomy, and recognition.

4 Encourage and promote

The fourth step is to encourage and promote a positive and healthy culture in your team. You can use new technology to foster a sense of belonging, purpose, and value. For example, you can use social media, blogs, or newsletters to showcase your team's work, achievements, or stories. You can also use wellness apps, online courses, or meditation guides to offer resources, tips, or guidance on stress management, mental health, or self-care. Make sure you model and reinforce positive behaviors, attitudes, and values.

5 Evaluate and improve

The fifth step is to evaluate and improve your efforts to boost morale. You can use new technology to measure, analyze, or report on the impact of your actions. For example, you can use metrics, dashboards, or feedback tools to track performance, engagement, or satisfaction. You can also use surveys, polls, or reviews to collect feedback, suggestions, or testimonials. Make sure you review and reflect on the results, and make adjustments or improvements as needed.