SmartPulse — our weekly nonscientific reader poll in SmartBrief on Small Business — tracks feedback from small-business owners. We run the poll question each Thursday in our e-newsletter.
Two weeks ago, we asked: What’s the best motivator for your employees during the holidays?
- Creating a positive atmosphere: 36.59%
- Celebrating accomplishments: 28.46%
- Keeping them in the loop: 21.14%
- Giving them the tools: 7.32%
- Setting challenging goals: 6.5%
The Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates that companies lose approximately $3 billion every year because of negativity in the workplace. While playing devil’s advocate occasionally can be a productive exercise, persistent doom and gloom conversations can turn otherwise cheerful employees negative, so it’s important to balance the scales between our positive and negative messages.
Even when there might appear to be nothing to celebrate, take a moment to write down one thing you’re thankful for. Or one thing that makes you smile. Whenever I need a little laugh, I visit the popular humor site I Can Has Cheezburger. Enjoy!
Sharlyn Lauby is the HR Bartender and president of ITM Group.