I work in a small office with poor morale and poor communication. I
have some ideas that I worked at other companies that would make the
place better, such as more formal communication, employee development
and training, recognition. I am looking for other peoples ideas on
what makes a place good and since my place is tight with the buck
these will have to be low cost. We do have casual day already.  I
would like ideas on turning problem situations around, such as if
there was an employee with a problem that the problem would be
identified and the company would assist the employee on changing
things.  Example: Someone who was not well versed in Windows could be
given a chance to take a low cost computer course.  Our current review
method seems to be based the up/down mood of the supervisor and
uncontrollable variables in the work enviroment.  I am thinking there
should be something like points should be added to the review for
employees that take evening courses in areas related to work.  We
currently have no tuition reimbursement.  All creative or good ideas
are welcome.

Where are you, geographically?  The surrounding culture and conditions
are factors in what people would respond well to.  Also, are you a
manager?  Are you *the* manager?

Apteryx

I am in New England.  I am not a manager or a supervisor, just a peon.
There have always been ongoing problems in the office. Recently a
situation came that I felt I had to give a message directly to the
owner to cover myself. The problem was with a the computer guy being
uncooperative in fixing something on my computer that would have made
me unproductive, and we are constantly monitored on productivity. I
did offer suggestions on my problem could have been prevented.  I also
said I  had some other suggestions that had worked at other companied
if there was interest. I was shocked to get a respond that he was
interested, so here is my chance to give ideas that I hope will make
the place better for both the company and the employees.  We need
better communication, more employee development etc.  However, I know
my suggestions are going to have be low-budget.

I always thought 'Peon' was not a part of 'Queens English Language
Brigade' ;) (maybe I am wrong)

On more serious sides.. (even if HR Guru's differ on this) I think, if
you could have a common topic for people to talk and interact.. things
start looking up in long run... :)

The communication issue is a big problem in our office.  There are
people that refuse to communicate. One might say it is dysfunctional.
The owners delegate the running of the office to the supervisors and
are out of the office the majority of the time. The supervisors do not
have the authority to give raises and do not always act like
supervisors.  For examples, the "peons" or foot soldiers have SpyWare
installed on their computers while the supervisors are howling over a
South Park skit downloaded on their e-mail.  In our companies, an
employee would send an e-mail or an interoffice memo on any office
communication. Example: Per our conversation earlier today.... I try
to do this on important matters, however, I get the impression that
people view it as being paranoid.  I really just want to make some
decent suggestions to give the owner a chance to respond.

Clarification: On my last comment, I meant to say "other companies"
would use interoffice communication.