Lift those spirits: spot the telltale signs of a demoralized staff.

History has proven that as employers continue to find ways to increase productivity and trim the bottom line, employee morale and quality of life in the workplace will take a nosedive. Couple the increased workload with the threat of demotion or downsizing and you have a staff that feels betrayed, insecure and, above all, unmotivated.

While it's easy to look the other way and hope the morose atmosphere will dissipate, you shouldn't ignore it, says Joann Rolle, Ph.D., management consultant at J.D. Rolle & Associates in Silver Spring, Maryland. Below, Rolle highlights the warning signs of demoralization, and offers ways to help boost employee spirits.

* Silence. Indicates fear and a lack of trust. Set aside time for weekly meetings so that issues can be aired. The staff will be more forthcoming when they know that management is listening.

* High turnover. Losing valued employees? It's time to take a serious look at why. The exit interview is your time to ask what could have been done to make them stay. Then take corrective action in order to avert a mutiny.

* Tardiness and absenteeism. This may be a sign of rebellion, unhappiness or the obvious--job interviews. Have an informal discussion with the employee to determine the problem. Use disciplinary action as the last resort.

* Rumors. It's best to confront them head-on. Have staff meetings to set the record straight on any confusing issues. Invite both negative and positive feedback.

* Low productivity. Use positive reinforcement such as bonuses and merit raises to make employees feel that what they do realty counts. Also consider allowing peer-to-peer reviews; feedback from other co-workers may be taken more seriously.

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Marketing: the route to the top

The best route to the top of the corporate ladder begins in marketing. In a year-long survey, sponsored by Korn/Ferry International, 37% of the over 75 senior executives polled said that CEOs are most often chosen from a company's marketing division.

The reason: An increasingly global economy and the fight for worldwide market share demands proven market leaders to lead the charge.

International assignments, once considered the "kiss of death," rank second to marketing. Finance, which had long dominated as the top career path for senior executives, fell to third place.

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Q When conducting a job search without your employer's knowledge, what are some of the mistakes to avoid?

A There is a notable risk associated with job hunting while currently employed. "Should you decide to conduct a job search without your employer's knowledge, be sure to have all bases, covered," says Timothy G. White, owner and president of HUman Capital Inc., a human resources consulting firm in Atlanta. He suggests the following:

* Request that recruiters call you at home and leave a message if you're not here.

* Don't let fellow employees know you're job shopping. You don't know who is talking to whom.

* Avoid the use of company equipment such as computers, printers, copy and fax machines. Keep any resumes or cover letters out of public view at the office.

* Avoid speaking negatively of your current employer.

* If you normally don't dress for success, don't start now. Change before your interview or schedule interviews during your vacation.

* Don't overdo sick time. Too many single days off is cause for suspicion.

"The job market is highly competitive," says White. "There is no reason to adversely impact your opportunity for success by making avoidable mistakes."