Top Lawyer Coach, LLC

4 Simple Ways to BOOST MORALE Around the Office

There's no escaping the damaging impact the recession has had on the legal field.

We've seen people lose their jobs, be forced to take extended furloughs, or endure drastic pay cuts. Chances are your employees and staff have witnessed some of this, sending their morale into a downward spiral. Adding to their stress are thoughts of "who's next?"

Unfortunately, anxiety breeds only more stress around the office, leading to problems in productivity and causing unwanted inner-office tension.

When this behavior starts happening around you, it's time to take charge and start OPENING LINES OF COMMUNICATION!

Here are four simple ways to improve workplace morale.

1. Be straightforward and honest.

Workplace stress often occurs when employees feel as though they are being kept in the dark about what is going on in the firm.

Make it a habit to communicate with employees and staff honestly and openly. Open communication creates a feeling of community, and in a community, members work together to improve the situation for everyone.

2. Convey an action plan.

Another key to raising morale is to communicate the firm's plan of action and strategy for getting though the difficult period. It's important to communicate a vision that everyone can get behind. Also, encourage employees and staff to build on the firm's strategy by soliciting their input.

3.  Share some good news.

Spread some good news around the office by touting the firm's achievements and successes. Clear examples of incoming business and financial strength will go a long way in relieving tensions around the office.

4. Keep an open line of communication.

Make it your mission to foster a free-flowing communication of ideas and information around the firm. Organize new team-building opportunities or meetings where people can openly voice their concerns and anxieties. Give staff a chance to vent and, at the same time, come up with their own strategies for improving the firm's well-being.

Your firm can SURVIVE and THRIVE - even under the toughest circumstances.

Start communicating and give employees what they need: a sense of stable community.

Adapted from article Raising Morale: Essentials to Communicate in Critical Times by Marcia Pennington Shannon.