Before incentives and recognition, 'focus on staff culture'

Date: 10/12/2009

Communication is the foundation for a business to build morale on, according to an expert in motivation.

Diane Stafford of KansasCity.com explained that organisations must consider their stance on team building conferences and how they relate to employees before implementing incentives and recognition to complement the overall feel of the office.

She explained that telling employees how their hard work is valued and making sure they get a simple thank you or compliment for their efforts is necessary, as is the assessment and readjustment of workloads to ensure the more competent employees are not "overwhelmed".

And while gossip should be clamped down upon, Ms Stafford continued: "Don't be dogmatic about squashing nay-saying.

"Provide opportunities for employees to say what's on their minds and ask questions of management. Encourage them to contribute tales and ideas from the front line."

Her guidance follows that of Sam Chapman, the chief executive officer of Empower Public Relations in Chicago, who said that a "no-gossip zone" in the office is necessary for work culture.

Posted by Michelle Fry

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