The focus of organizational success is often numbers and dollars. However, the well-being and mental state of employees should be observed and valued since it’s a key driver when it comes to motivation and performance, and it’s often directly correlated to achieving company goals. Are your employees happy at work? Is it a friendly, welcoming environment? If not, it may be time to investigate ways to improve enthusiasm and company culture.

High levels of morale in organizations provide many benefits. Employees with good mental health tend to be more productive. A happy team is more encouraged to get work done.

Here are 7 ways to boost morale in the workplace:

Shorter Workdays

Being in the office for long workdays doesn’t necessarily increase productivity—in fact, according to studies, productivity tends to decrease. Other countries, like Sweden, have thus experimented with shorter workdays and some employers have turned to flexible work hours as a solution. Long hours can cause stress which can lead to health issues. Reasonable work schedules create productivity, concentration and motivation. e|spaces offers businesses and teams a space to use when they desire, but it also provides the opportunity to work from home. As humans, we have an innate need for variety. Studies have shown that a change in scenery increases enthusiasm, happiness and relaxation. The flexibility of e|spaces encourages this idea of work-life balance and instead of working long hours in the same space.

Free Food

Everyone loves free food. Set a specific day of the week to provide a certain meal, such as “Pizza Fridays” to give workers something to look forward to. e|spaces Chattanooga members anticipate the free breakfast offered on Mondays and the Happy Hour with catering, beer and wine on Thursdays. Unexpected free treats help boost morale as well. As lunchtime nears, it tends to be the main thing people think about. Their focus dwindles away as they contemplate where they will be eating their meal. Providing a free meal would take away this distraction and, in turn, increase productivity.

In-Person Meetings

At e|spaces, we’re aware of the common exhaustion from virtual meetings. We’ve all seen the lack of face-to-face contact, technical difficulties, gaps in communication and reduced focus from working at home. Easing back into in-person meetings has begun to take away these obstacles, and our meeting rooms at e|spaces are ideal for picking back up this face-to-face work. The technology-equipped rooms provide a space that increases productivity, communication and collaboration while eliminating exhaustion from virtual meetings. For example, meeting rooms in e|spaces Orlando include the Eola room and the Magnolia room that provide magnificent views of the city. e|spaces offers meeting areas for large groups, but we also recognize the importance of one-on-one time. Smaller meeting rooms are available to increase productivity, build trust and increase engagement in personal one-on-one meetings.

Group Volunteering

Employers can find local places where employees may want to volunteer, such as a food bank, nursing home or animal shelter. This is a great way to get out of the office and to bond with coworkers. According to a study, 64% of employees who volunteered with their coworkers said the experience strengthened their work relationships. Find out what causes and issues employees are passionate about and help them play a part in making a difference. Volunteering can refresh minds and promote a positive work culture. The same study found that 96% of employees who volunteer consider their company culture somewhat positive or very positive.

Encouraging Breaks

Having access to a space where employees can relax and decompress for a few minutes is a game-changer. Sitting at a desk for hours is tiresome and detrimental, so employees would jump at the chance to get up from their seats and move their legs. At e|spaces, workers can enjoy a break and a snack in the fully stocked café area and return refreshed and more productive and enthusiastic than before. The opportunity to recharge is crucial to maintaining good morale and mental health.

Networking

The key to running a successful organization is networking. Establishing and maintaining new relationships provides opportunities you might not be able to find on your own, and it also improves morale and company culture. The community of professionals at e|spaces provides this opportunity to network. The expertise of the businesses that work here ranges from law to real estate to public relations. Because each organization at e|spaces is unique, it presents the chance to network with other entrepreneurs and business professionals who all work in the same space. Taking breaks or eating lunch in the common area encourages striking conversation with other professionals. In addition, location managers at e|spaces arrange networking events and information sessions from various businesses to feature accessible professional services.

Celebrating Birthdays

Small gestures mean a lot and can make people feel welcomed and loved. When someone’s birthday rolls around, buy them a cake, present or gift card. Take them to lunch. e|spaces’ locations are situated in areas with great restaurant options making this convenient. For example, popular and accessible restaurants surround e|spaces Knoxville. Places including Hard Knox Pizza, the Fresh Market and Rocky Top Nutrition are within walking distance. Other well-known restaurants such as WokChow, Farmacy, Chick-fil-A and Long’s Drug Store are only a short drive away. Making employees feel appreciated and a part of the team would certainly provide an enjoyable work environment overall.

Take advantage of the amenities and opportunities e|spaces has to offer that aid organizations in boosting employee morale and enhancing the work environment. Strengthen your business and create positive results. Learn more about our dedicated offices, meeting rooms and collaborative workspace: https://espaces.com/