7 Fun and Creative Ways to Boost Employee Morale Without Breaking the Budget

by Gabby Davis Nov 21,2025
Engagedly
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The People Strategy Leaders Podcast

with Srikant Chellappa, CEO

Low employee morale can quietly drain your workplace of productivity, creativity, and engagement, leaving your team feeling disconnected and unmotivated. With 16% of employees reporting disengagement at work, it’s clear that a lack of satisfaction in the workplace can hurt not just team dynamics but also your bottom line.

The good news? You don’t need a hefty budget to turn things around. In fact, studies show that 81% of hybrid employees and 78% of remote employees remain engaged largely due to flexibility and simple, thoughtful efforts from their employers.

Companies with happy and engaged teams see 21% higher profits and a 17% increase in productivity.

Why Fun Office Activities to Boost Morale Matter More Than Ever

The workplace landscape has fundamentally shifted. With only 32% of U.S. employees feeling engaged at work and 16% actively disengaged, the cost of low morale extends far beyond unhappy faces. Disengaged employees contribute to approximately 1.9 trillion dollars in lost productivity annually in the United States alone.

But here’s the encouraging news: you don’t need elaborate corporate retreats or expensive incentive programs to turn things around. Research from the University of Warwick found that teams with high morale are 21% more productive. The real game changer? Simple, consistent efforts that show your team they matter.

As leadership expert Simon Sinek reminds us, “When people are financially invested, they want a return. When people are emotionally invested, they want to contribute.” The fun and creative ways to boost employee morale we’re sharing today focus on building that emotional investment without requiring a massive budget.

Whether you’re managing a remote team, a hybrid workforce, or an in-office crew, these fun office activities to boost morale will help you create an environment where people genuinely want to show up and do their best work. Let’s explore how small, intentional actions can create massive positive shifts in your workplace culture.

1. Celebrate Small Wins with Big Enthusiasm

Imagine pouring weeks of effort into a project, only to be met with a simple, “Good job.” Ouch, right? Now picture the flip side: a round of applause at a team meeting, a celebratory email, or even just a heartfelt acknowledgment of your contribution. Feels great, doesn’t it?

Celebrating small wins goes beyond just being polite—it’s a powerful way to validate effort, show appreciation, and remind employees that their contributions matter. Whether it’s meeting a tight deadline, mastering a tricky new software tool, or simply surviving a chaotic Monday, these moments deserve recognition.

The impact is undeniable: employees who feel seen and valued are far more engaged, motivated, and productive. So, next time your team achieves something—no matter how small—bring out the cheers, the high-fives, or even the cupcakes. A little enthusiasm can go a long way!

How to Implement

1. Shout-Out Sessions

Dedicate a portion of your team meeting to “shout-outs,” where employees can acknowledge their peers’ efforts. Think of it as a verbal high-five session. No achievement is too small—whether it’s onboarding a client or fixing a pesky office printer, every win deserves recognition.

2. Digital Badges

Add a playful twist to recognition with digital badges or certificates. Create fun titles like “Deadline Dynamo,” “Teamwork Sensei,” or “Spreadsheet Sorcerer.” These are free to create but pack a powerful punch by adding an element of gamification and a smile to your team’s day.

3. Surprise Treats

Food is an underrated yet effective morale booster. Celebrate milestones with donuts, bagels, or a pizza party. Add a personal touch with a handwritten note that says, “Thank you for crushing it! You’re awesome!” to amplify the gesture’s impact.

4. Personalized Thank-Yous

A simple handwritten note or a thoughtful email can go a long way. Mention specific details about the accomplishment to show you’ve noticed their hard work. This small effort creates a big sense of appreciation and value for the recipient.

CASE STUDY: BUFFER

Buffer, a social media management company, has mastered a fun and budget-friendly way to celebrate small wins through their Gratitude Attitude program. Using Slack, team members send shout-outs and thank-you messages to recognize their colleagues’ contributions. This simple, cost-effective approach fosters a culture of appreciation, strengthens inter-team relationships, and keeps morale high—all without breaking the bank.

CASE STUDY: EVERNOTE

Evernote, the productivity app company, created the “Evernote Thanks” program to make employee recognition both fun and meaningful. Employees can publicly thank their colleagues for their efforts, and these acknowledgments come with small rewards like gift cards or company swag. This creative approach not only boosts morale but also reinforces a culture of positivity and teamwork—showing that meaningful appreciation doesn’t have to cost a fortune.

 

2. Organize Themed Dress-Up Days

Workplace routines can sometimes feel monotonous, but themed dress-up days are a fun and easy way to break the cycle. Encouraging employees to dress up in wacky, creative outfits inspires them to showcase their personalities and gives the team a refreshing conversation starter that isn’t tied to deadlines or projects.

Beyond the laughs, themed dress-up days foster team bonding. Few things bring people together like seeing your boss in a pirate hat or your shyest colleague decked out as a disco queen. It’s a lighthearted, low-cost way to create lasting memories and boost morale.

How to Implement:

1. Monthly Themes

Keep the excitement alive by introducing a new theme each month. Ideas like “Decades Day” (choose an era), “Movie Character Day,” or “Opposite Day” (dress as your office alter ego) are always a hit. Announce the themes well in advance to give everyone ample time to prepare and plan their costumes.

2. Photo Contests

Add a competitive twist with photo contests to encourage participation. Share pictures of the costumes on internal communication platforms or, with consent, on the company’s social media channels. Let employees vote for categories like “Most Creative” or “Best DIY Effort.” Offer small incentives like gift cards, company swag, or fun trophies to reward the winners.

3. Inclusivity Matters

Ensure your themes are inclusive and welcoming to everyone. Avoid topics that might be overly specific, culturally sensitive, or isolating. Encourage participation in any form, whether it’s a full costume or a simple accessory, so everyone feels comfortable joining the fun. The goal is to bring people together, not set them apart.

Case Study: HubSpot

HubSpot, the inbound marketing giant, hosts themed dress-up days as part of their team-building initiatives. One standout event? “Heroes and Villains Day,” where employees came dressed as their favorite good or evil characters. The event not only sparked joy but also created a flurry of social media engagement, showcasing the company’s fun culture.

Case Study: Pixar Animation Studios

Pixar, the creators of beloved animated films, is no stranger to creative fun. They often host “Costume Wednesdays” where employees dress according to quirky themes. These days not only help their creative staff loosen up but also reinforce the imaginative spirit that fuels their award-winning storytelling.

3. Host Potluck Lunches

If food is the universal language of love, potlucks are its warmest embrace. While organizing full-scale team dinners might feel like a daunting commitment, potluck lunches are a relaxed, low-effort alternative. There’s something uniquely communal about sharing dishes that employees have prepared—or, let’s be honest, grabbed from their favorite local takeout!

Potlucks provide an opportunity for team members to showcase dishes that reflect their cultural heritage or culinary flair. More importantly, they create a space for deeper connections as employees bond over food, share stories, and enjoy a shared experience that breaks away from the usual workday routine.

How to Implement:

1. Set Themes

Themes are the secret sauce to making potlucks extra fun! Think “Global Cuisine”—where everyone brings a dish from their culture—or “Comfort Foods” for those cozy, feel-good eats. Other ideas? A “Dessert Extravaganza” or “Breakfast for Lunch” (because who doesn’t love pancakes at noon?). Just pick a theme, share it ahead of time, and watch the creativity unfold.

2. Recipe Sharing

Let’s make those amazing dishes live on! Put together a digital recipe book with everyone’s contributions. Not only does it become a cool keepsake, but you might also find your new go-to mac-and-cheese or a dessert that wins every family gathering. Bonus: It’s a great way to connect over shared flavors long after the potluck ends.

3. Dietary Inclusivity

Food should bring everyone together, not leave anyone out. Remind people to label dishes with ingredients—super helpful for those with allergies or special diets. A simple “contains nuts” or “gluten-free” note goes a long way in making everyone feel included.

4. Virtual Potlucks

For remote teams, potlucks can still happen—virtually! Everyone can whip up their favorite dish, hop on a video call, and share the backstory (or secret ingredient) behind it. Sure, it’s not quite the same as sharing a table, but it’s a great way to bond across screens. Who knows? You might even inspire a virtual “Best Plated” competition!

Case Study: SAS Institute

Being the leader in analytics software, they host daily potluck-style meals with the team in the dining area. Through this, they encourage the team to make recipes reflecting their heritage and serving a delicious pot of stories and flavors. This culture becomes a cherished part of their organization reinstating emphasis on inclusivity and collaboration in the company. 

Case Study: Zendesk

Zendesk, known for its customer service software, holds an annual potluck competition during the holidays. Each team is tasked with creating a themed menu, and the results are judged by their peers. This fun twist on a traditional potluck encourages collaboration, creativity, and, of course, a fun way to boost morale at work.

The Numbers Behind Employee Morale

When you’re considering fun office activities to boost morale, it helps to understand the real impact these efforts can have. Here are some eye-opening statistics that demonstrate why morale matters:

Only 18% of U.S. employees report being very satisfied with their jobs, the lowest level ever recorded. This phenomenon has been dubbed “the Great Detachment.”

Companies with highly engaged workforces earn 21% more profit than those with disengaged teams.

69% of employees say they would work harder if they felt their efforts were better appreciated and recognized.

Employees who receive recognition at least once a week are 2.7 times more likely to be highly engaged at work.

71% of executives believe that employee engagement is essential to their company’s success, yet only 34% of U.S. workers report feeling fully engaged.

80% of employees say learning and development opportunities would help them feel more engaged on the job.

Disengaged employees are 18% less productive than their engaged peers and contribute to approximately 450 to 500 billion dollars in lost productivity each year.

Teams with high morale experience 23% higher profitability according to research from Harvard Business Review.

As Steve Jobs once said, “The only way to do great work is to love what you do.” These statistics prove that when you invest in fun and creative ways to boost employee morale, you’re not just making people happier. You’re directly impacting your organization’s success and sustainability.

The takeaway? Small investments in morale-boosting activities yield disproportionately large returns in engagement, productivity, and profitability.

4. Create a ‘Kudos’ Wall

Who doesn’t love a good pat on the back? A Kudos Wall is an incredibly simple yet powerful way to embed appreciation into your workplace culture. Think of it as a physical or virtual positivity board where peer-to-peer recognition shines. Whether it’s for lending a hand during crunch time, hitting a tough deadline, or just being an all-around awesome team player—every effort gets its spotlight here!

Picture it as your workplace’s own “feel-good” social media timeline, minus the drama. Employees who feel appreciated are more engaged, motivated, and loyal. And here’s the best part: recognition is contagious. When one person gets kudos, others are inspired to join in, creating a ripple effect of positivity across the team.

The Kudos Wall isn’t just about individual moments—it’s about building a culture where effort and collaboration are celebrated every day.

How to Implement:

1. Physical Wall

Set up a designated space in the office for your Kudos Wall. It could be a simple corkboard or a bright, colorful wall where employees can stick notes of appreciation. Want to make it extra fun? Use colorful sticky notes, funny doodles, or even Polaroid photos alongside the messages. The more creative, the better—it’s all about making it a feel-good focal point of the office!

2. Digital Wall

For remote or hybrid teams, a digital Kudos Wall works wonders. Platforms like Slack, Trello, or even a shared Google Doc can serve as virtual spaces for shout-outs. For an extra sprinkle of magic, tools like Engagedly allow employees to pair their kudos with small rewards, making recognition even more impactful.

3. Regular Recognition

Take the Kudos Wall to the next level by showcasing some of the best shout-outs during team meetings or company-wide updates. This ensures nobody’s efforts are overlooked and reinforces the culture of appreciation across the organization. It’s a great reminder for everyone to keep spreading the positivity!

 

5. Implement Flexible Work Hours

Gone are the days when punching in at 9 a.m. was the hallmark of productivity. Today, flexibility isn’t just a perk—it’s an expectation. By offering flexible work hours, you acknowledge that employees have lives beyond their desks, whether it’s managing school drop-offs, attending doctor’s appointments, or simply working better during non-traditional hours.

The impact? Less burnout, happier employees, and higher productivity. It’s a win-win for both the team and the organization. Giving employees the freedom to choose when they work best is an expression of trust and respect—and it pays off in spades.

How to Implement

1. Core Hours

Set a designated block of time (e.g., 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.) when everyone is available for meetings or collaboration. Outside of this, let employees choose their start and end times based on their productivity peaks.

2. Remote Work Options

Offer employees the option to work remotely—whether it’s one day a week or a fully remote setup. For those splitting their time between home and office, this flexibility can be a game-changer for work-life balance.

3. Set Clear Guidelines

Flexibility works best when expectations are crystal clear. Establish policies for communication and collaboration to ensure efficiency doesn’t take a hit. For example, outline response times for emails or set up regular check-ins to stay connected.

Case Study: Basecamp

Basecamp, a project management software company, has fully embraced flexibility by allowing employees to choose their work hours and offering remote work options. Their philosophy? Trust employees to do their jobs without micromanaging their schedules. The result? A relaxed, engaged workforce that consistently delivers high-quality work.

Case Study: Automattic

Automattic, the company behind WordPress.com, operates with a fully remote team spread across the globe. Employees have complete autonomy to work during their most productive hours, provided they meet deadlines and team goals. This approach has not only enhanced productivity but also made Automattic a magnet for top talent worldwide.

By implementing flexible work hours, you empower employees to perform at their best while fostering a culture of trust and respect. The payoff? A happier, more engaged, and more productive team.

What Leaders Say About Boosting Employee Morale

The most successful leaders understand that fun office activities to boost morale aren’t frivolous extras, they’re essential business strategies. Here’s what some of the world’s most respected thought leaders have to say about workplace morale and motivation:

Peter Drucker, the father of modern management, wisely noted, “The best way to predict your future is to create it.” This applies perfectly to workplace culture. You can’t wait for morale to improve on its own. You need to actively create an environment where people thrive.

Richard Branson, founder of Virgin Group, has always championed employee happiness: “Clients do not come first. Employees come first. If you take care of your employees, they will take care of the clients.” This philosophy underscores why fun and creative ways to boost employee morale should be a top priority for every organization.

Maya Angelou’s wisdom extends beyond literature into leadership: “People will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.” The fun office activities to boost morale you implement today will create emotional memories that strengthen loyalty and commitment for years to come.

Albert Schweitzer captured the essence of workplace satisfaction when he said, “Success is not the key to happiness. Happiness is the key to success. If you love what you are doing, you will be successful.” Creating a workplace where people feel happy, valued, and engaged isn’t just good ethics, it’s good business.

Warren Bennis, a pioneer in leadership studies, emphasized, “Leadership is the capacity to translate vision into reality.” When you implement these morale-boosting strategies, you’re translating your vision of a positive workplace culture into tangible reality.

The common thread? Every successful leader recognizes that investing in people’s emotional well-being and workplace satisfaction drives every other positive outcome. When you make fun and creative ways to boost employee morale a consistent priority, you’re building a foundation for sustainable success.

 

6. Organize Monthly ‘Learning Lunches’

Learning Lunches are an underrated but highly effective way to boost morale and build connections. Picture this: employees coming together to eat, learn, and grow in an informal, relaxed setting. It’s the perfect blend of networking, skill-building, and yes—free food! Who doesn’t love a productive lunch break with a side of personal growth?

Research shows that employees who are offered opportunities to learn and develop are happier, more engaged, and more likely to stick around. By prioritizing their growth in a fun, approachable way, you’re investing in both their satisfaction and the company’s success.

How to Implement

1. Guest Speakers

Bring in guest speakers to cover topics that might fall outside the expertise of your team. It could be industry trends, wellness tips, or stress management techniques. And if you can snag a celebrity or public figure? That’s a guaranteed full house!

2. Employee-Led Sessions

Let your team members take the stage and share their knowledge or passion. Maybe your coding guru can teach a few tech tricks, or your yoga enthusiast can lead a lunchtime stretch session. It’s a great way to highlight hidden talents while keeping the vibe collaborative and fun.

3. Interactive Workshops

Skip the lectures and opt for hands-on workshops. Whether it’s public speaking, creative writing, or financial planning, focus on topics that leave employees with practical takeaways they can apply right away.

7. Start a “Random Acts of Kindness” Program

A little kindness goes a long way, especially in the workplace. A Random Acts of Kindness program encourages employees to spread positivity by performing small, thoughtful actions for their colleagues. It creates a ripple effect of goodwill and fosters a sense of community. Plus, it’s an easy, cost-effective way to make everyone’s day a little brighter.

How to Implement:

1. Kindness Jar

Set up a jar where employees can drop suggestions for random acts of kindness—like leaving a thank-you note, grabbing coffee for a teammate, or helping with a project. Draw a suggestion weekly and encourage everyone to participate.

2. Pay-It-Forward Challenges

Kickstart a chain of kindness by challenging one employee to do something thoughtful for another, who then pays it forward. It can be as simple as leaving a small treat or writing a positive note.

3. Recognize Kindness

Create a space (physical or digital) to highlight acts of kindness that employees perform. Whether it’s a wall in the breakroom or a channel on Slack, public acknowledgment encourages more participation.

By focusing on small, meaningful gestures, you build a workplace culture that prioritizes empathy, connection, and positivity—all without needing a big budget. Who wouldn’t want to work in a place like that?

Practical Implementation Timeline: Your 90-Day Morale Transformation Plan

Ready to implement these fun and creative ways to boost employee morale but not sure where to start? Here’s a practical timeline that spreads the initiatives across three months, making implementation manageable while building momentum:

Month 1: Building the Foundation

Week 1: Launch your Kudos Wall (physical or digital) and introduce it during a team meeting. Explain how it works and lead by example by posting the first few appreciations yourself.

Week 2: Schedule your first themed dress-up day for the following month. Send out the theme with plenty of advance notice and build excitement through regular reminders.

Week 3: Implement flexible work hours by meeting with team leads to establish core collaboration hours and communication guidelines.

Week 4: Host your first shout-out session during a team meeting. Celebrate at least five small wins from the past month and provide small treats or handwritten thank-you notes.

Month 2: Expanding Engagement

Week 5: Organize your first potluck lunch. Set a theme like “Global Cuisine” or “Comfort Foods” and create a shared document for recipe contributions.

Week 6: Host your themed dress-up day and run a photo contest with small prizes for categories like “Most Creative” and “Best DIY Effort.”

Week 7: Launch your Learning Lunch series. Invite your first speaker or host an employee-led session on a popular topic.

Week 8: Review and celebrate the Kudos Wall highlights during a team meeting. Recognize employees who’ve been frequently appreciated and those who regularly appreciate others.

Month 3: Creating Sustainability

Week 9: Introduce the Random Acts of Kindness program with a kickoff event. Set up the kindness jar and draw the first suggestion to get the momentum going.

Week 10: Host your second Learning Lunch and gather feedback on the topics people want to explore next.

In week 11: Schedule and plan your next themed dress-up day and potluck lunch for the upcoming month.

In week 12: Send out a brief survey asking employees which fun office activities they’ve enjoyed most and what new ideas they’d like to see.

The beauty of this timeline is its flexibility. You can adjust based on your team size, industry, and specific workplace dynamics. The key is consistency. When you regularly implement these fun and creative ways to boost employee morale, they become part of your culture rather than one-off events.

Remember what Zig Ziglar said: “People often say that motivation doesn’t last. Well, neither does bathing, that’s why we recommend it daily.” These activities work best when they become ongoing practices rather than sporadic efforts.

Overcoming Common Obstacles When Implementing Morale-Boosting Activities

Even the best fun office activities to boost morale can face resistance or challenges. Here’s how to navigate the most common obstacles you might encounter:

Challenge: “We’re too busy for this.”

Reality check: Teams that neglect morale-boosting activities often become less productive over time due to burnout and disengagement. A 15-minute shout-out session or a monthly potluck actually saves time by reducing turnover, improving collaboration, and increasing focus.

Solution: Start small with activities that require minimal time investment, like a digital Kudos Wall or brief weekly recognition moments. As your team experiences the benefits, they’ll naturally become more receptive to larger initiatives. Remember, 80% of employees say they’d feel more engaged with learning and development opportunities, even brief ones.

Challenge: “My team is remote or hybrid.”

Reality check: Remote and hybrid teams often need morale-boosting activities even more than in-office teams. Research shows that hybrid employees actually have the highest engagement rates at 38%, compared to 29% for on-site workers, largely because companies make extra effort to keep them connected.

Solution: Adapt every activity for virtual participation. Host themed dress-up days over video calls, create digital Kudos Walls on Slack or Teams, organize virtual potlucks where everyone shares their meal on camera, and use video conferencing for Learning Lunches. Today’s technology makes it possible to implement these fun and creative ways to boost employee morale for any work arrangement.

Challenge: “Leadership won’t support this.”

Reality check: Present the business case with statistics. Companies with highly engaged employees see 21% higher profitability, 17% higher productivity, and significantly lower turnover. When you frame morale-boosting activities as business investments rather than expenses, leadership is more likely to support them.

Solution: Start with zero-cost initiatives like shout-out sessions and a Kudos Wall. Once you can demonstrate positive impact through improved engagement scores or reduced turnover, securing support for slightly larger investments becomes much easier.

Challenge: “Participation is low.”

Reality check: Not everyone will participate in every activity, and that’s okay. Some employees are naturally more reserved or have different preferences for how they like to engage.

Solution: Offer variety in your fun office activities to boost morale so there’s something for everyone. Make participation voluntary but consistently promote the benefits and positive experiences others are having. Highlight the success stories and use peer influence to gradually increase engagement. According to research, peer recognition programs increase engagement by 35%.

Challenge: “It feels forced or inauthentic.”

Reality check: This usually happens when activities are implemented without genuine care or follow-through. Employees can sense when efforts are just checking boxes versus when leadership truly cares about their well-being.

Solution: Be authentic in your approach. Ask employees what they’d enjoy, involve them in planning, and show genuine enthusiasm yourself. As Benjamin Franklin said, “Tell me and I forget. Teach me and I remember. Involve me and I learn.” When employees help shape these initiatives, they feel more invested in their success.

The key to successfully implementing fun and creative ways to boost employee morale is persistence and authenticity. Start with activities that feel natural for your team culture, measure what’s working, and adjust based on feedback. Even small steps in the right direction compound over time into significant cultural improvements.

 

Conclusion: Small Changes, Big Impact

Boosting employee morale doesn’t require extravagant perks or grand gestures. It’s the small, consistent efforts like hosting Learning Lunches or organizing themed dress-up days that truly make a difference. By incorporating these fun and creative ways to boost employee morale into your workplace, you’re fostering a culture where employees feel valued, motivated, and genuinely happy to be part of the team.

The numbers speak for themselves: companies that prioritize these fun office activities to boost morale see 21% higher profitability and 17% increased productivity. More importantly, engaged and satisfied employees aren’t just clocking in; they’re invested in the success and growth of the organization.

Think about it: when was the last time you saw your team genuinely laughing together over a themed costume day or bonding during a potluck lunch? These moments don’t just feel good, they fundamentally transform how people experience work. As Albert Schweitzer wisely noted, “Success is not the key to happiness. Happiness is the key to success.”

Remember, you don’t need to implement everything at once. Start with one or two strategies that resonate most with your team’s personality and culture. By mixing things up and adding fun, meaningful activities, you’re not just improving morale, you’re creating a workplace that people love to be part of.

So, the next time you see your team laughing over a collaborative brainstorming session or collaborating more effectively after a Learning Lunch, take a moment to soak it in. You’re not just running a company, you’re building a community. And that’s a win worth celebrating.

FAQs

What are the most effective fun office activities to boost morale on a limited budget?

The most effective budget-friendly activities focus on recognition and connection rather than expensive perks. Start with a Kudos Wall for peer-to-peer appreciation, which costs nothing but creates a culture of recognition. Themed dress-up days require zero investment and break workplace monotony while encouraging creativity. Potluck lunches let employees share meals and stories without company expense. Studies show that 69% of employees would work harder if they felt more appreciated, and recognition-based activities deliver exactly that. Flexible work hours, another zero-cost option, significantly boost morale by demonstrating trust and respect. The key is consistency over cost. Regular, thoughtful gestures outperform occasional expensive events.

How quickly can these fun and creative ways to boost employee morale show results?

You can see initial improvements within the first month of consistent implementation. When you launch a Kudos Wall or start weekly shout-out sessions, employees immediately feel more valued, which can lift spirits within days. However, sustainable morale improvements typically become evident over a 90-day period as activities become embedded in your culture. Research shows that teams with high morale are 21% more productive and that companies with engaged employees see 17% higher productivity. These gains accumulate as employees experience consistent appreciation and engagement. The 90-day implementation timeline we’ve provided allows you to introduce activities gradually while building momentum. Remember, employee engagement increased from 30% to 32% in just one quarter when companies focused on these efforts, representing millions more engaged employees. Start now, stay consistent, and you’ll see measurable changes in team energy, collaboration, and satisfaction within three months.

How can small businesses implement these strategies within budget?

Small businesses can focus on low-cost, high-impact initiatives that require minimal resources, like organizing themed dress-up days or creating a ‘Kudos’ wall. These activities are easy to set up, promote team spirit, and show employees they’re valued without stretching the budget. Even small gestures, like handwritten thank-you notes or simple recognition during meetings, can go a long way in boosting morale.

What should we do if some employees don’t want to participate in these activities?

Participation should always be voluntary. To encourage engagement, highlight the benefits—such as a more inclusive and enjoyable workplace—and ensure activities are diverse enough to appeal to everyone.

Respect individual preferences, and create opportunities for quieter contributions, like submitting notes for a ‘Kudos’ wall or participating in smaller group activities. The goal is to foster inclusion, not force involvement.

How can remote teams participate in these morale-boosting activities?

Remote teams can stay involved through virtual adaptations of these activities. For instance, use tools like Trello or Slack to host a virtual ‘Kudos’ wall, organize online book clubs, or set up interactive ‘Learning Lunches’ via Zoom.

Additionally, you can plan fun challenges, like themed photo contests or virtual escape rooms, to build camaraderie in a remote setting. Keeping the activities accessible ensures everyone feels included.

What should be the frequency of organizing these activities?

A consistent schedule is essential to keep engagement high without creating fatigue. Monthly activities work well for most organizations, but smaller weekly gestures, like shout-outs or virtual coffee chats, can add an extra layer of connection. Gauge your team’s response and adjust the frequency to what feels natural and sustainable.

What are other cost-effective ways to boost employee morale?

Fostering a culture of open communication, recognizing achievements (big and small), and providing growth opportunities are timeless and budget-friendly strategies.

Additionally, promoting flexibility in work schedules, celebrating milestones, or even introducing simple team-building exercises can have a lasting impact. Sometimes, just listening to employees and acting on their feedback is the most cost-effective morale booster of all.

Gabby Davis

Gabby Davis is the Lead Trainer for the US Division of the Customer Experience Team. She develops and implements processes and collaterals related to the client onboarding experience and guides clients across all tiers through the initial implementation of Engagedly as well as Mentoring Complete. She is passionate about delivering stellar client experiences and ensuring high adoption rates of the Engagedly product through engaging and impactful training and onboarding.

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