The words "employee morale" are often said but, no real understanding of what they mean. Unless they mean a dismal and toxic work environment, then yes, there is a full understanding.
While healthy competition is supported by leadership at most organizations, to support growth and comradery, that's not the case here. Though some teams focus on team building, goal setting, and overall trust, to build, promote, and encourage one another. Other groups lack leadership, which at times is continuously changing; there are no concrete goals to support both individuals and departmental growth. Processes and procedures are never clear and defined. Leaving staff to sink or swim, in confusing waters, and leading to distrust in not only leadership but, in each other. In other words, if you are looking to be set up for success, you've come to the wrong place.
Dissension, discord, slander, back-stabbing, favoritism, and dishonesty are often used and perpetuated by the top heads, to dismantle and ruin relationships, and some times reputations. And do yourself a favor, refrain from asking questions. Unless you are the lucky benefactor of nepotism, you're most likely to get into an uncomfortable banter (bordering on hostile), instead of getting a simple and straight-forward answer. To put it mildly, lack of communication reigns supreme, along with belittling staff and treating them like as if they are disposable, not like well respected, competent, and knowledgeable individuals they hired due to such qualifications. To gain the lucky perk of nepotism, show yourself as someone who likes to have some cocktails, hang out, with a knack for back-stabbing, and speak poorly of your colleagues, and you're in! Many times, your supervisor will share these perks with you. Oh yes, you will hear how weakly your supervisor thinks of not just others in the organization, but on your team as well. They are signaling that it's not only perfectly fine to display this behavior to them but other employees, as well.
The pay is abysmal at best, your salary won't reflect your experience, or even come close to market value. But don't even think about asking for a raise. You will hear the standard, "We can only give you a 3% increase." However, you are still expected to do the work of five individuals. That is unless your friendship with another staff member is how you acquired your position. If that's the case? You don't have to worry; you will be promoted and given a salary increase within your first few months, while those who did so on their merit will still be waiting to receive their annual employee review. And while the horrid pay is a benefit, it's the only one. As healthcare comes totally out of pocket, that's right; you pay for your own. Even though there is "Free" insurance, the deductible is so high; it's pointless to sign up for the service. Even the paid insurance isn't that great, as prescriptions and office visit costs are just high as not having insurance at all.
Then there's the annual employee bonus, which is a great perk. However, you should pray that your department doesn't receive a new supervisor between October and December. If so, you can look forward to someone new bringing up something that happened three years ago, and have it used against you, and lower your amount. Even though, your supervisors before them haven't had an issue, and have given you increased amounts over time.
Don't go to Human Resources with your concerns, as they are great for giving the "We understand." face and even providing a response or two for support. However, that's as far as it will go with you, and you will be told to suck it up or find a new job. Also, be on the lookout for a backlash from your supervisor. As they are going to be aware of your conversation shortly after that, and most times, communication is not shared correctly. A simple discussion asking for helpful hints and can turn into an attack on one's character, or ability to lead the team. In short, HR is and should be your LAST resort.
Now, before you write this off as the words of a "disgruntled employee," I ask you to take a look at the previous reviews. Then ask yourself, "Can they all be wrong?". You will conclude that the answer is no. Where there is smoke, there is usually fire.
