how to boost morale on a production team?
Asked by EV
I have a team of about 15 who monitor phone calls for quality all day. I just took over the team, and the morale of the whole department is very low because everyone is struggling so hard to achieve their production goals. I would say about 30% of the team is "burnt out." Does anyone have any suggestions for morale boosting ideas that would help out? The key is, it can't hurt production because we are in such a bad spot with that right now. I also am looking for something low-to-no cost. So far here's what we've done: The people who exceed their goals are getting aprox. 15-20% bonuses. People who meet or come close to their goals are getting about 10%. They also get to make their own schedules. I take the top two performs out to lunch at Outback at the end of the month. Any ideas on adding a little fun to the day/production game that could boost morale and break the monotony? Thanks DancesW/Horses. That was the first thing I started doing when I came back there. I send out a daily email: "Yesterday's MVPs" so the people who did well are recognized daily. So daily recognition via email is being done

Best Answer:
Ask people (informally) what would motivate them. Maybe put up a suggestion box (but be prepared for a few unpleasant suggestions...). Sometimes just recognition is a great motivator. At the beginning or end of every day, point out something great that someone did to the whole group. Not only does the person feel happy that you noticed, but feels that glow that everyone *else* knows what a great thing they did.

I don't know if it works, but it worked in my experience. We where doing the bare-bottom regatta of Jost van Dyke British Virgin Islands, its a motherf... tough race for everybody involved, so some smart arse came up with a T-Shirt that had the following saying... THE BEATING WILL CONTINUE UNTIL MORAL IMPROVES everybody wanted to buy our T-Shirts though.
Answered by tylerdurden....

Although, your recognizing the over achievers, you might be letting down the not so aggressive personnel. Some people just don't have the bold, gusto, personalities. So because of their personalities, they are being ignored. Can you do something for everyone, as a team of employees, not just the certain over achievers. Make everyone feel successful just for being part of the team. Start there, that will help all morale. As for what to do, you know your resources and where everyone can benefit. Rack your brain, make it a nice work environment for everyone.
Answered by flower