10 Ways to Boost Morale & Productivity in November

Note from Jan: The foundation of good morale and productivity is hiring the right people, give them clear roles, responsibilities, expectations and goals. And give them training and coaching which includes feedback, direction, support and recognition from a trusted manager or coach.

If these aren’t in place, this article is NOT for you. Instead, use some of the other resources on this site to help you get your roles and goals clear and get everyone headed in the right direction.

If you do have all of those things in place, then take a look at these November-only ideas for putting this quote to work. In some cases, you may feel like a fool. Your teammates may roll their eyes. But they will laugh too. And that will lighten the load, break the tension and maybe even bring people closer together. Not just today – but down the road as they think about or talk about the day that ___________ (fill in the blank).

1. November 6 – Marooned Without A Compass Day. Go around the room and ask each employee…”If you could get lost for one day, where would you go?” The answers will open up some fun discussions.

2. November 7 – National Magazine Day. Ask everyone to bring in magazines from home…ones they are willing to pass along to others. Put them all in one place (the Break Room perhaps) and let others take the ones they want. Encourage each person to pick up at least one magazine he/she has never seen before and browse through it. It’s a great way to spark new and different ideas. In addition or as an alternative, deliver all the magazines to the waiting room of a hospital.

3. November 10 – National Vanilla Cupcake Day. See #4 for a combo idea.

4. November 11 – National Ice Cream Sundae Day. Bring in vanilla cupcakes AND ice cream with different topping choices. Tell your staff you’re celebrating two holidays in one.

5. November 14 – Loosen Up, Lighten Up Day. Bring in a massage therapist on November 15 and have him/her give 5 minute massages to your staff members.

6. November 15 – America Recycles Day. Have staff members bring in 3 small items they no longer want (like a pair of gently used shoes or a book). Set up a place where everyone can “shop” for free and recycle some good stuff.

7. November 16 – National Fast Food Day. Go to a fast food restaurant for your staff meeting. Tell them if they order something healthy…lunch is on you.

8. November 24 – Create Your Own Day of Thanks. Okay, so we made this one up. At your staff meeting go around the room and tell each person why you are thankful he or she is a part of your team. Even better…give it to each person in writing. Be specific and make each team member feel special.

9. November 27 – Pins and Needles Day. Since this is on Saturday, tell your staff on Friday, November 26 they’ll have to be on pins and needles all weekend until Monday for a fun announcement. On Monday tell them you’re taking them bowling and they’ll get to leave early to do it. Choose a day that doesn’t interfere too much with everyone’s schedule.

10. And then we have the entire month of November to celebrate:

National Peanut Butter Lovers Month. Peanut butter cookies. Peanut Butter pie. Reece’s Pieces candy. Peanut Butter crackers. The choices are endless for what you could bring in to celebrate this delicious treat.

National Fondue Month. Bring in a fondue pot and all the fixings…savory or sweet. Make this as simple or as elaborate as you want. This is a great way to eat and interact with each other.

National Adoption Month. Ask your staff if they’d like to adopt a family to provide a Thanksgiving meal. The Salvation Army, a local church or shelter can be great resources. Or call your local Animal Shelter and see if you can “adopt” an animal in name only by making a donation of food and pet supplies from your staff.

Warning – Before you begin, be sure to read the Note from Jan at top of page.

Also see: 10 Revenue Boosting Ideas for November