Every manager has to face a decline in his team's morale at some point in his career. The causes may be different, but your goal should always be the same - to give your employees back the feeling that their work is more than just a job. The Project Times website recommends starting with finding out if you, the manager, are not the biggest problem.
As a manager, you have your superiors who often ask you to make unpopular decisions. The need for making difficult decisions may not be under your control, but you can always control your attitude and the way you handle these situations. Instead of hiding information and choosing a dictatorial approach, you should be open and compassionate. Then you can find out the real reason for the decline of employee morale more easily. Ask your people openly and, if you need to, ask the HR department for help. However, do not forget that even HR can't solve the problem in your team, it will always up to you for the most part. What specific steps should you try?
Work on gaining trust
Try to be more available for your team and actively ask what your people need from you.
Give more responsibility
Your people should be allowed to influence decision-making and the projects they are working on as much as possible. This includes the freedom to express criticism or fear.
Listen better
When your people see that you listen to them, they will trust you more. Then you'll get the opportunity to learn about deeper problems you have not noticed so far.
Explain your decisions
Announcing your decisions is not enough. Learn to explain why you have chosen the specific decisions. Once somebody understands the "why" he can better understand the "what".
Celebrate successes
Fight against declining employee morale by setting short-term goals and celebrating your partial successes appropriately. Even in difficult times, your people can feel like winners.
Try new things
Do not force your people to follow the same procedures over and over again. On the contrary, support them in coming up with new ideas and improvements.
Stand by your people
Show them your support when they are mistreated by a client or a colleague from your company.
-Kk-