Define Morale? How to Build Morale of Employees

Define Morale, Definition of Morale, Meaning of Morale

Morale is defined as "Collective attitude of the workers towards one another towards their employer and towards their work." Morale is an individual and combined spirit. It is the combination of various qualities like courage, resolution and confidence. Confidence in oneself and in the company's management is a factor which affects the morale of the workers.

Morale, therefore, refers to zeal for action. It implies the collective attitude of workers in their job; the cheerful spirits coupled with confidence of workers as one unit. Morale is another objective of the communication. High morale among the workers is necessary for smooth functioning of the organization.

Morale being the barometer indicates the well-being of an organization. Hence business organizations should periodically study morale through informal meetings with workers or through questionnaires. Such measures help to raise the employee's morale and confidence in their management.

How to Build Morale of Employees

How to improve morale of employees are given in the image below.

Image credits © Manoj Patil.

How to boost or increase Morale of Employees are followed:

1. Maintaining a steady stream of communication between workers, their supervisors and top executives.
2. Employees should be given permission for open discussion of problems, which are affecting workers and their families.
3. Employees should provide with communication devices like house organs (‘a periodical distributed by a business concern among its employees, sales personnel, or customers.’), employees round table conferences, audiovisual aids, employee get together should be kept at regular intervals to raise the morale of the employees.
4. Scorching false rumors about favoritism strikes, retrenchment or lock outs.
5. Accommodating displaced employees of other companies or giving employment to the children of retired employees.
6. Giving a fair hearing to employee grievances and accepting their suggestions in management.
7. Expressing appreciation for good work and rewarding it.
8. Introducing changes gradually so that workers do not get mentally upset by sudden and abrupt changes in staff or working methods.

Symptoms of High Morale

1. Committed and cheerful staff
2. Good interpersonal communication.
3. Suggestion employees.
4. Willingness to take new idea.

Symptoms of Low Morale

1. Dejected individuals.
2. Jealously, rivalry and poor communication among staff.
3. Complaining staff.
4. Unwillingness to learn new techniques.

Causes of Low Morale

1. Lack of a healthy atmosphere.
2. Lack of interest in job.
3. Unsatisfactory remuneration.
4. Poor and ineffective communication.
5. Comparison with others.

Advantage of Morale

1. Organization functions smoothly.
2. Profits and sales are increased.
3. Employees have trust in their superiors.
4. Employees give full co-operation to the organization.

Disadvantages of Morale

1. Low morale indicates employee's lack of trust in the management.
2. Employees waste time in spreading rumors.
3. Profits and sales are affected.
4. Organization lacks goodwill.