Office Morale

(Note: Recently, some of you responded to a post I'd written about administrative pitfalls with suggestions on improving office morale via gifts and recognition. Your comments were much appreciated, and inspired me to write today's post.)

I'm lucky. The office I manage is able to pay a competitive wage, which is invaluable in both attracting and keeping a high quality staff. However, it's been my experience that while a satisfactory paycheck is vital, it's not the only way to keep office morale high.

One of the main things I do is recognize achievement. When someone does something noteworthy or makes a valuable suggestion, I make note of it and during the next office meeting, I take the time to mention publicly just how grateful I am to that particular person. Praise, when legitimately given, is a terrific way to make an employee strive for excellence.

I also will send out the occasional complimentary email for the whole office to read, or even something as personal as a post-it on someone's computer. I'm careful not to go overboard or say too much, but I've found that people really appreciate the fact that their deed was remembered. Granted, we're all professionals, and should routinely be doing outstanding work, but that doesn't mean we don't like getting complimented for it on occasion.

Another thing I do with everyone in the office is plan small events like a dinner out together or even something informal like a bowling party. Nothing reinforces the sense of working in unison like bonding outside of the workplace. It also helps break down the barrier between doctors and office staff, keeping everyone approachable and on good working terms.

Sometimes I jokingly refer to our office as a lifeboat. We sink or swim together. It isn't necessary that we like or care about everybody on board, but it sure does help.

How about your office? What are the ways in which you bolster office morale?