November 2021 Newsletter: New Thinking

We have all been reading about the great resignation. Prior to Covid-19, we were already experiencing workplace misery even here in Canada. In January 2015 Insight West Research in Canada reported that over two-thirds of British Columbians (68%) acknowledge having experienced “a truly terrible” boss or manager over the course of their careers. When asked specific incidents, here’s the breakdown:

• 80% said that there was a lack of communication
• 77% reported that there was a lack of guidance
• 75% reported that there was a lack of appreciation

According to the Microsoft Work Index, 47% of Canadians are experiencing burnout in a typical workday. Now more than ever, your employees need to ensure that their wellness is a priority in your organization.

It’s almost been 2 years (Crazy!) since Covid-19 came crashing into us and disrupted our way of life. How we live, work and play have been shaken at its core.

We can’t completely blame Covid-19. Out of all of the changes the pandemic has brought into the workforce, the most notable impact is the Great Resignation. After years of being unsatisfied with work-life, people are finally realizing the importance of being appreciated at work and prioritizing their mental wellbeing.

As leaders, we must adopt new thinking styles and change how we boost morale and engage employees. Most employees search for workplaces that value, support, and respect their subordinates. Improving your employee morale doesn’t have to be a hugely overwhelming task, small acts can make all the difference in the world. By demonstrating employee appreciation, you can make a difference in your organization and improve the relationship you have with your employees, which in return will improve their performance and your bottom line.

Consider, too, the cost of disengagement. Harvard Business Review explains that "engagement in work—which is associated with feeling valued, secure, supported, and respected—is generally negatively associated with a high-stress, cutthroat culture." Going further, the research explains that disengaged workers had...

• 37% higher absenteeism
• 49% more accidents
• 60% more errors and defects

However, providing positive feedback at all levels, gave employees the highest sense of satisfaction and gave 70% of workers a boost in their engagement. Positive feedback is one of the easiest and most effective ways to boost employee engagement.

Here are some tips to demonstrate employee appreciation and improve morale:

1. A Culture of Appreciation - Greet Your Team, a hello can go a long way. When we acknowledge we are giving others permission to come to us when they need help. It is a way of opening your doors to communication.
2. Praise and Recognition - Express appreciation through small gifts or notes. People like to be told that they are doing a good job. Research proves that happy employees work harder and productivity spikes.
3. Avert Stress -Seeking feedback can avert stress. Sometimes identifying the problem is simply getting input from your employees. Nobody can tell you how to improve your organization like your employees. Ask your team what you can do better and actively listen to their feedback/concerns.
4. Bring in the FUN – Host team building activities. Team events can help motivate your team, encourage collaboration, spark laughter, and renew team spirit. Whether virtual or in person get your team involved.
5. Commit to Work-Life Balance -Encourage and create a mental health and wellness plan for your organization. With burnout rates at an all-time high, ensuring your employees’ mental health needs are being met is crucial to your employee retention.

The beginning of November marks the start of Diwali; The Festival of Lights. Diwali is a special tradition within many Indian cultures such as Hindus, Sikhs, and Jains. This cultural phenomenon can be dated all the way back to 527 BCE and was started to celebrate the victory of light over darkness. Light, is the symbol of hope and positive energy.

On this day, people visit family and friends to feast and exchange sweets and gifts. This beautiful celebration is a cultural flag of the Indian community and is known worldwide for its bright colours and incredible lights.

Good manners are cost-effective. They not only increase the quality of life in the workplace, but they also contribute to employee morale, embellish the company image, and play a major role in generating profit. -Letitia Baldrige

November is National Gratitude Month, so even though Thanksgiving has passed, make gratitude a habit!

Get into the habit of adopting good manners. Imagine surrounding yourself and interacting with well-mannered people - where “please” and “thank you”, and not using your phone while interacting with others is a normal occurrence. By being attentive to your manners within your work environment, you will create a much more welcoming and approachable atmosphere.

Reflecting upon the year and the changes that we have experienced we can all agree on one thing – Let’s bring back good manners which seem to be less prominent these days. As we all have been hiding behind masks for the past 2 years, our manners seem to have slipped through the cracks throughout this whirlwind of a pandemic.

Isn’t it still cool to be thoughtful? This November, we are challenging you to bring manners back in style! Hold the door for somebody, if you see somebody struggling, ask to help them out, remember to say please and thank you. Good manners go a long way and there are so many easy and fun ways to exercise good manners which will promote kindness within your life.

Make it your goal this November to up your etiquette and see the difference it makes. Kindness and support breed communities, and who doesn’t love a community of like-minded individuals working towards common goal

Tis the season - Time to get out your ugly Christmas sweaters, fill up your mugs with warm drinks, and start making your list and checking it twice.

Office Holiday parties are a great way to do some team bonding and give your employees a chance to kick back and close the year on a good note.

Whether you’re hosting a virtual or in-person office Holiday party, Green & Green is here to help with all your office party gift-giving needs at the tip of your fingertips.

All my very best,