Employee morale is generally defined as how employees feel about their jobs and their company. Employee motivation, however, refers to the internal forces that drive people to behave a certain way. There can often be a close link between employee morale, motivation, and company productivity levels. Most managers realize the significance of striving to keep morale high. During this dynamic era of uncertainty, many companies have had to regroup quickly, particularly those that experienced unanticipated losses, setbacks, and cutbacks. Leaders in almost every company certainly have their own stories to tell of strategies they use to keep employee morale afloat. Listed below are strategies espoused by two company leaders. Although many of the strategies sound simple and easily attainable, the time, effort, and willingness to do them on a consistent basis is the true challenge that most leaders have to overcome.

J. Walter Thompson is a successful advertising agency that has had to make quick adjustments after many companies slashed their advertising budgets. Although the firm had a few layoffs as a result of some lost business, it has worked hard to generate new accounts through its morale-boosting motivational strategies. For example, Bob Jeffrey, president of the agency's North American Division, strives to motivate his staff and keep morale high by consciously demonstrating trust-building behaviors. The basics-"recognizing people and making sure they feel connected to the company"-work well for Jeffrey. He strives to keep abreast of what is happening with each of his employees, both professionally and personally. He makes an effort to interact with employees regularly and to help his employees when they have serious personal problems. Providing health and fitness perks also increases morale and strengthens motivation. In addition, Jeffrey''s company offers a "de-stress room," free massages, yoga and nutrition lessons, personal trainer assistance, and other amenities. Another reward of these fitness perks has been increased productivity and employee goodwill.

CEO Thomas JCorcoranheadsFel-CorLodging Trust, a hotel real estate investment trust firm in Texas. His motivational strategies to boost morale include "open and frank communication with employees" in order to make sure that his 65 employees are kept informed at all times. Since last year,Corcoranhas begun to share the same monthly report to staffers that he gives to the company's directors. A rather unconventional morale booster that he also uses is once a month to either personally cook lunch for his staff or select a cooking team to prepare the meal.Corcoranadmits that providing good meals allows everyone to sit down together in unity. "People work better if they like where they work and feel part of a community," he acknowledges.

1) Do you believe that the strategies outlined above will serve as morale boosters for most employees at the two firms? Please explain your answer.

2) Of all the strategies in the text which strategy would you use to boost employee/team morale? Why?