Working in construction can be physically and emotionally demanding, so it is important project managers are aware of how their team members are feeling and know how to boost morale when needed, according to the National Center for Construction Education and Research.
Low morale can affect productivity and employee retention. It can be caused by conflicts and disputes between employees that create tension; an excessive number of hazards on the job site; and shifts in regular work routines, among other causes.
NCCER shares the following ways project managers can help improve team morale.
- Prioritize break time. Taking time to relax and recharge is crucial to maintaining a healthy, productive job site. Project managers can encourage employees to take advantage of their break time, showing they care about employee well-being and building trust.
- Encourage promotions. Project managers can honor achievements by helping to put employees on a path to promotion. When workers see others succeed and be recognized for their hard work, it provides positive reinforcement and spurs motivation.
- Offer benefits and a bonus program. These can give employees something to look forward to and show leadership supports them. Employees may have a family to support or loans to pay off, and financial stress significantly can affect morale. Even a modest set of benefits can help eliminate stress.
- Schedule off-hours relaxation time. Fostering healthy co-worker relationships can help reduce stress and increase trust. Project managers can ask their team for ideas of things they might like to do for fun and schedule off-hours activities to spend time together in a relaxing way.
- Offer training and education programs. Team morale can be affected when people do not believe they have opportunities to grow. Project managers can improve workers’ skill sets while empowering them to continue learning through training and education programs.
- Upgrade tools and software. Old products and glitchy software can be frustrating in the workplace and may make employees feel they do not have what they need to do their jobs. Employees will feel more appreciated when project managers upgrade the tools and software they use daily because it will help them do their jobs better.
- Respect work-life balance. A common cause of low employee morale is excessive time at work or overtime. This can include going home from work and spending hours answering emails or focusing on work-related tasks. Project managers can encourage a healthy balance, for example, by telling employees emails can wait until they return to work in the morning.
- Show appreciation. Sometimes simple acts from leadership can make a difference. Project managers should show appreciation for their workers whenever possible, helping them feel valued and that they have contributed to a project’s success.
