Low morale leads to additional problems that include lower productivity; higher sick leave rates; higher accident rates; resignations; tension and grievances. Just as there is a multiplying effect when things are going well, there is a snowball effect when things start to go poorly.
Situations that arouse fear and anxiety suppress many body functions and may suppress antibody production as well. Distressful situations may also upset production of hormones that have a role in emotional balance. An emotionally upset individual is much more prone to accidents. Obviously, sick leave rates would probably increase as well.
“Nothing is worse for morale than a lack of information down in the ranks. I call it NETMA – Nobody Ever Tells Me Anything – and I have tried hard to minimize that problem.” Ed Carlson, former president of United Airlines.
There’s no quick fix for morale problems. You have to proceed slowly and always with caution. The first thing you need to do is identify the real problems as explained first hand from employees. Consult each one separately with an open mind. Make notes of their concerns and follow up as you make progress. In fact, follow up periodically even if you haven’t heard anything. You can say something as simple as “I still haven’t heard back from John about the new schedule yet, but as soon as I do I’ll let you know.” People desperately want to be included in the loop, especially when it affects them.
Once you’ve identified a problem deal with it immediately. Harassment cases require immediate attention rather than waiting for it to wash out. In these cases, do a thorough investigation right away and make sure you keep notes. If things continue in violation of company policies, you will need them to establish a case for discipline and/or removal.
If you want to boost morale, don’t make promises you can’t keep. No one wants to hear hollow promises; they want to know what will really happen. You want people to believe what you have to say, so if you promise something, you need to see that it happens – no excuses.
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When do vows go too far? (42:37) - - When they cannot be fulfilled. The Bible cautions against making vows, but once made, they should be kept (Deut. 23:21-23; Eccl. 5:4-5).
Deuteronomy 23: 21-23: 21" If you make a vow to the LORD your God, do not be slow to pay it, for the LORD your God will certainly demand it of you and you will be guilty of sin. 22But if you refrain from making a vow, you will not be guilty. 23Whatever your lips utter you must be sure to do, because you made your vow freely to the LORD your God with your own mouth.
A vow was a promise or commitment, a religious tribute to God.
The bible gives us the guidelines by which we should live our lives. The closer we align ourselves with God, the better our lives will be. God sets the ultimate standard that we must strive for.
Leviticus 5:4 - - “Or if a person thoughtlessly takes an oath to do anything, whether good or evil – in any manner one might carelessly swear about – even though he is unaware of it, in any case when he learns of it he will be guilty.”
How could someone take an oath and not know it? (5:4) - - This refers to an oath made before all the implications have been considered. The phrase describing such an oath could literally be translated chattering with the lips – talking without thinking. A broken oath was considered a serious offense in the ancient world, especially if it had been made to God. This probably explains why Joshua kept the vows made when deceived by the Gibeonites (Joshua 9:19) and why Jephthah kept his foolish vow (Judges 11:30, 35, 29).
