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.
If you’re looking for cost-effective ways to bring energy, connection, and joy back into your workplace, you’ve come to the right place. Here are seven fun and creative ways to boost employee morale without breaking the bank. Let’s get started!
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:
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.
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.
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?
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 book clubs—that truly make a difference. By incorporating these creative and low-cost ideas into your workplace, you’re fostering a culture where employees feel valued, motivated, and genuinely happy to be part of the team.
Think about it: engaged and satisfied employees aren’t just clocking in; they’re invested in the success and growth of the organization. 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 themed costume day or enjoying a collaborative brainstorming session, 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
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.
