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In the modern corporate world, a recurring and disheartening challenge continues to undermine progress—declining employee morale. Recent global studies have revealed that an overwhelming majority of organizations, nearly 81%, grapple with low workplace enthusiasm and engagement. This trend, identified by Opinium on behalf of technology company Celonis, also shows that more than one in four senior executives (27%) firmly believe heightened levels of staff stress directly suppress productivity. Furthermore, a growing number of professionals report feelings of isolation and disconnection from their peers, creating an atmosphere that hinders collaboration and long-term success.
For business leaders determined to meet ambitious performance objectives, the well-being and satisfaction of their workforce are not secondary considerations—they are essential prerequisites. When employees experience fulfillment in their roles and see purpose in their tasks, they are more likely to overcome challenges with resilience and creativity. This raises an essential question for managers everywhere: how can they nurture consistent morale, especially during periods of fatigue or uncertainty? ZDNET spoke with five respected business leaders who shared their most valuable strategies for revitalizing team energy and maintaining motivation, even in demanding circumstances.
1. Provide a Clear Line of Sight
Sacha Vaughan, Chief Supply Chain Officer at household products manufacturer Joseph Joseph, emphasized that sustaining morale begins with a genuine understanding of each team member as an individual. “There’s no one-size-fits-all approach,” she explained, underscoring the importance of recognizing that different people are motivated—and distracted—by different things. In her view, effective leadership today involves intentional focus. The best leaders avoid becoming preoccupied with temporary disruptions; instead, they direct their teams toward long-term goals that yield meaningful impact over time.
“When leaders help people see not just today’s issues but the bigger vision for tomorrow, they lift the team’s spirits,” Vaughan shared. “Great managers remind their employees, ‘Here’s the vision we’re pursuing, here’s what you contribute, and look at how essential your role truly is.’” This clarity fosters enthusiasm and commitment, as individuals understand that their actions feed into the broader organizational mission.
Vaughan also insisted that celebrating achievements—no matter how small—remains a powerful morale booster. “It’s easy to think celebration is a cliché, but recognizing progress is fundamental,” she said. “When teams acknowledge milestones and affirm their collective success, it reinforces confidence and unity. Leaders must constantly communicate appreciation, provide balance, and create an inclusive environment where every voice matters.”
2. Lead by Example and Commitment
Fausto Fleites, Vice President of Data Intelligence at ScottsMiracle-Gro, believes that authentic leadership begins with accountability. As the department’s most senior executive, he views it as his duty to shoulder pressure and demonstrate commitment through personal example. “I don’t expect everyone on my team to mimic my workload—it’s demanding,” he admitted. “But I do ask for high commitment, and I set that tone myself. I lead by embodying the behavior I want to see.”
Fleites explained that his staff deeply appreciates this principled form of leadership. They see his consistent dedication as evidence of reliability and integrity, traits that encourage them to match his efforts in their own way. “My team knows I’m working alongside them,” he continued. “They understand what success demands, and together we strive toward those targets. This shared accountability drives motivation.” For him, leading by example is not about perfection but about visibly caring enough to engage fully in the pursuit of common goals.
3. Engage with Employees Consistently
Kenny Scott, Data Governance Consultant at energy firm EDF Power Solutions, stressed that maintaining staff morale hinges on genuine and ongoing communication. “Leaders must actively listen to their employees,” he advised. “You can’t suddenly appear one day and ask why someone seems disheartened. True understanding develops through consistency.”
Scott recommended setting aside dedicated time—at least monthly—for open-ended dialogue. These conversations, he emphasized, should move beyond task updates to explore employees’ ambitions, satisfaction, and career trajectories. “Ask them, ‘How are you feeling about your work? Where do you see yourself growing? And if your path leads beyond this organization, how can we help you get there?’” Such openness not only builds trust but also strengthens retention, as many employees choose to stay when they feel genuinely supported.
Scott cautioned against waiting until visible problems arise. “If someone is already struggling with mental health or physical exhaustion, you’ve missed critical opportunities to intervene,” he said. “Meaningful engagement has to begin from day one, forming the foundation of a supportive and resilient workplace culture.”
4. Demonstrate What You Truly Value as a Leader
Dave Roberts, Vice President of Environment, Health, and Safety at The Heico Companies, observed that people perform at their highest potential only when they are comfortably aligned with their roles. “If individuals are misplaced or ill-suited to their responsibilities, it affects not only their performance but the energy of the entire group,” he explained. Adjusting roles to fit employees’ strengths benefits everyone and prevents the collective morale from deteriorating.
However, Roberts clarified that energizing a team is not limited to helping those who struggle. It also means recognizing and uplifting those who excel. “Acknowledging high performers publicly sends a vital message,” he said. “It shows everyone what excellence looks like and what behaviors the organization truly values. Promotion and praise become motivational signals, guiding others to emulate success.” This balanced approach—supporting the underperforming while celebrating the exemplary—creates a culture of fairness and aspiration.
5. Share the Destination and Nurture Team Unity
Gro Kamfjord, Head of Data at paint manufacturer Jotun, champions the idea that shared experiences strengthen professional relationships. “I believe in fostering teamwork beyond standard office interactions,” she said. “It’s immensely helpful to meet in new environments—perhaps through team-building exercises or cooperative problem-solving activities such as escape rooms—where participants use their creativity, build trust, and enjoy themselves outside their usual areas of expertise.”
Kamfjord explained that such activities encourage collaboration from a fresh perspective, reminding teams that success is about unity as much as technical skill. Back in the workplace, this cohesion helps teams navigate complex projects more effectively. She cited her own experience modernizing Jotun’s data systems with advanced tools such as Informatica and Snowflake, building a cloud-based infrastructure that now supports faster development and exploration in artificial intelligence.
“At one point,” Kamfjord recalled, “we were deep in the migration process—we had left the shore, but the destination was still out of sight. Every day was filled with tasks that seemed disconnected. Fortunately, our project manager kept our focus anchored on how far we had already come, reminding us of our progress and collective purpose. By the time we reached the project’s end, we felt both the relief of completion and the pride of shared accomplishment.”
In the end, sustaining high morale is not about occasional perks or motivational speeches. It requires intentional leadership that values communication, recognition, adaptability, and human connection. Whether through transparent goals, consistent engagement, or symbolic celebrations, leaders who genuinely invest in their teams help shape workplaces defined by purpose, loyalty, and optimism.
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Sourse: https://www.zdnet.com/article/feeling-lonely-at-work-youre-not-alone-5-ways-to-boost-your-teams-morale/
