When your sales team is suffering from poor morale it quickly becomes noticeable. Sales performance will be in a slump, absenteeism increases, and it becomes clear that motivating the team needs to be a priority. Being under the unique pressures of making quotas and reaching targets makes sales a difficult job that is even more challenging when morale is low. The key to improving sales production is having a company culture that will consistently motivate employees. The good news is there are a number of strategies you can implement that are really effective for helping boost morale and improve sales production in the long term.

Energize employees with a fun environment

Breaking the stress cycle with small gestures is an excellent way of creating a positive environment that will boost morale and maximize productivity. Work is work, but it's important to make time for employees to enjoy themselves and increase their attachment to the company. You can accomplish this environment with initiatives like fun team building exercises, a monthly pizza party or by organizing opportunities for them to volunteer. These moments will enhance team collaboration, build trust, and deepen relationships. An engaged employee is a productive one and having fun with the team will be an effective way of keeping everyone energized.

Positive reinforcement improves morale

A crucial aspect of managing a sales team is providing feedback when there's something that has to be improved. But you shouldn't neglect also showing your employees that you also notice what they do well. One of the most effective ways to keep your employees motivated is to provide plenty of positive reinforcement when you see they're making an effort. This means noticing their dedication to closing a certain deal, to reaching a specific number of contacts or even improving in an area of relative weakness. Verbalize your recognition of their hard work and you will be able to push them further in the right direction.

Employee award & recognition programs are excellent motivators

Consider introducing a corporate award or sales recognition program that ties performance in specific measures to getting some sort of award or benefit. The prospect of getting a award or trophy will generate some healthy competition, motivate employees, and it's also something fun and engaging to look forward to. You can design an award for different qualities you value such as having perfect attendance, best sales- performance, getting good customer feedback or even employee tenure with the company. Get creative! By providing your employees with recognition that goes beyond compensation you can reward their hard work in a unique way that will motivate the team to do better.

"As a leader in the trophies and awards world since 1966, corporations, small businesses, and sales managers constantly come to us for award and recognition ideas", says Lou Scalia's Awards owner, Rob Comito.  Lou Scalia's Awards not only provides the production of the award or trophy, but provides customization and consulting services as well.

"If you're thinking about boosting sales team morale", Rob continues, "end-of-year awards, or rotating sales trophies are a great idea to get your team motivated."

Use testimonials to reinforce engagement with company goals

It's important for employees to be engaged with the vision of the company and understand their role in supporting that bigger picture. One way to do this is by sharing client testimonials of how the company made a positive impact for the client. Testimonials are normally used outside the company, to attract new customers, but the powerful effect they can have on employees should not be overlooked. It helps employees link their daily activity to the larger goals of the company and to the direct impact they are capable of having on others. In short, it makes them feel good and will influence their efforts to sell your product more efficiently.

While employees are motivated to work because they want to earn an income, compensation is not enough to maximize sales and maintain high motivation. You shouldn't wait for the team morale and performance to be struggling before making attempts to change your company culture for the better. Focus today on recognizing and motivating your employees as a long term strategy. You will be rewarded with an energized sales team that can really perform to help your company grow.