Boosting Morale

>>On the battlefield and in the office, keeping spirits up during tough times is a quality that distinguishes leaders. On several levels, instilling loyalty makes good sense, says Dan Farrar, president and CEO of Resource Innovations, a workforce management company in Fort Myers.

That can keep qualified employees from jumping ship when economic conditions sour, because when workers are treated with respect, they are more likely to deliver and remain with the company, Farrar says.

"First and foremost, owners and business leaders set the tone of the organization," he says. "You need to be cognizant of what you say to people and what your attitude is. If you arrive at work in a crabby mood, that mood will be transferred to everyone. If employees are worried that nobody is in control, it’s going to have a domino effect."

Open communication creates a healthy atmosphere, he says. To keep employees motivated and feeling positive about their work experience, Farrar suggests including them in decision making and keeping them engaged in the business.

"Ask for input," he advises. "It creates fear when decisions are always made behind closed doors."

Being open with employees is the best way to make them feel appreciated, but doing so when funds are tight takes determination and creativity, says Michelle Gleeson, executive vice president and chief operating officer
of Gulfshore Insurance.

The company was named one of six "Best Places to Work" in Collier County by the Economic Development Council, which examined employee turnover and promotion rates, salaries and benefits, training and development, employee evaluations and feedback, percentage of employee injuries and management diversity.

"You have to come up with things that are not going to cost a lot," she says. "This is a time to reach deeper to find the potential of each of us as individuals and as an overall organization."