Dear Sparkings: my staff is cranky, what to do?

Respect them. That is thing one. Tell them what is going on. Ask them to tell you what they think and what they want to do. Listen to them. Tell them your plans. You don't have to tell them everything - nor do you have to do what they ask, But you do have to respect them as people and to give them attention and not leave them in the dark. After that, money and time off and benefits and all those things - but first of all: respect.