Since management seems to struggle with thinking of ways to boost morale except jeans and t-shirts, let’s start a thread with ideas. I’ll go first.
WFH on Monday’s and Friday’s, or at least Friday
Casual attire every day
No company-wide meetings before 8/9 (7:30 for a forum, really???)
Mandatory 15 minute break for every 4 hours worked in addition to an hour lunch (blackout period)
Supportive of all of ops suggestions! It doesn't take much to gain some employee loyalty, but thus far, management has proven they see no benefit in doing so.
As for all the people bashing these ideas, your fixed mindset is further sinking this company and honestly, it's just sad.
Cut the layers of management especially the micromanagers that have zero experience in the discipline like our manager. Horrible before management and even worst after she became a manager. Reprimanded several times but is impervious to the system. I was told by other supervisors that agree she needs to go that once they reach management status it’s hard to let them go. That’s bs. Eliminate the managers and support the leaders.
Someone makes a harmless thread about how we can make things better and all some of you can think of is to attack is the person. Classic ExxonMobil.
adj+1bf7hv5f
A lot of folks work those hours now but without the half day in Friday.
Some bu-t kissing expat supervisor whining now.
Good God
Managers who actually swing by our workgroup from time to time, and show some interest in getting to know us.
Someone senior or parallel saying, personally, “Wow, I really appreciate what you bring to this company. I know this is a hard time. Thank you for all you do!”
401k match back, or qualifying criteria to get it back.
A little humbleness from our upper leadership. Admit maybe you made some tough decisions that didn’t pan out as you intended, and you have really taken the time to reflect and change.
Figure out who your smartest people are and start giving them cross-functional authority. There is a layer of smart people who are forever feeling like they are cleaning up the mess of uninformed management, but not being recognized. Give them the authority to fix the mess, and step out of the way.
Reduce management tiers.
Stop cross-functional training with at least 70% of management. The company is not making a better manager by throwing someone into a role in which they have no knowledge. They are making a sluggish organization with lots of recycle and disenfranchised workers.
Stop harping on control of capital. We get it. But look at your neighbors…who are still investigating in capital for high return projects. They get it even better than us. Control capital, but stop standing in the way of immediate earnings.
Realize that your middle management have no idea where ‘immediate earnings’ can come from. If you have told them to control capital, know that they are actively ki----g ‘immediate earnings’ opportunities. You will never hear about them…as your direct reports are earnestly sunflowing your capital wishes.
Stop trying to gouge salary at every turn. You have now made expat assignments into a money losing opportunity. Little benefits here and there are being cut from various country schemes. These ki-l moral 2x what they save in money.
DW resignation. How about that!
@jra+1bf7hv5f more work equates to more chance for error, and down to the NSI you go. Lol. Be very careful, the blaming culture is very real here
More informal promotions.
Management seems to think that rewarding people with more work and responsibilities without any real recognition, compensation increase, or potential for real promotion.
They overload an already overstretched workforce while continuing to blame us for their shortcomings.
We should be happier, more thankful, more dedicated and be more loyal. Or else.
That’s from the exxon school of management.
Morale boosters are for winners.
@adj+1bf7hv5f
When Exxon ended Mobil's 9/80, the thought process was: "Why would I allow a 9/80 when I get a 10/90 now."
It sure sounds like the OP is just plain lazy.
I’m glad you’re not tasked with boosting morale cause your suggestions suck
Being transparent doesn’t cost a dime
Admins from Sakhalin
Weekly skits by senior executives - fish-slapping, funny-walking, that kind of thing.
In skivvies.
9/80s
How about emails telling our folks they did a great job? Our employees love receiving a pat on the back for all the additional work done without any tangible benefits! Who needs $ when you can get a note from the almighty DW!
Summertime hours. Option to either work 4 10s with Friday off, or 5 9s and a half day Friday. Do this between Memorial Day and Labor Day. And also let people go early on holidays for f#n&S sake
It’s sad because these are literally FREE morale boosters and they can’t even get it through their heads that things like this would help. Of course we want salary increases and 401k match back, but since we can’t do those, why not allow these FREE moral boosters like WFH on Mondays and Friday’s if desired and wearing casual attire everyday. It’s honestly insane why they can’t give in to these. We will not attract top talent and will eventually become an average, low talent company if they keep this up and not get with the times.
Just FYI - 7:30am meeting is to include those elsewhere in the world.
WFH does not boost my morale whatsoever. Wouldn’t mind wearing polos though.