Low morale seems to be rampant in the workplace today. So many people are feeling it - without a sense of empowerment (or budget) to change it for the better. But there are plenty of no-cost ways to drive morale in the right direction. Today let’s talk about 7 of my favorites.
Low morale seems to be rampant in the workplace today. So many people are feeling it - without a sense of empowerment (or budget) to change it for the better. But there are plenty of no-cost ways to drive morale in the right direction. Today let’s talk about 7 of my favorites.
Modern Mentor is hosted by Rachel Cooke. A transcript is available at Simplecast.
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Hey, it’s Rachel Cooke, your Modern Mentor! I’m the founder of Lead Above Noise, where we help leaders activate performance and engagement without burning out. Whether it’s bootcamps, keynotes, or Pulse Checks, we help teams achieve meaningful change. If that’s what your organization needs, let’s talk!
Hey before we jump into today's episode, can I ask a quick favor? If you're a regular listener - or even an occasional one - and you have something to say about the show I'd love it if you'd leave a quick rating or review in your podcast app. Kind of the best way to help the show find new listeners. And couldn't we all use a boost at work?
So, one of my favorite things about hosting this show is getting to talk to real-life listeners who reach out. I’ve had a half dozen or so of those conversations recently. And do you want guess the one thing that managed to come up, in some form, in every single one?
Yep, it’s morale. In the past few weeks I’ve talked to people working in government, in healthcare, in tech, in retail - and while it may show itself differently, reality is we’re all struggling with a feeling of low morale. You know - that blue, melancholy feeling that we’re all here, but maybe we’d rather be elsewhere.
And this is a serious issue. Like, for our collective mental health as well as our productivity and impact. Everything suffers when morale is low. And one of the challenges I’m seeing is too many companies or leaders thinking it’s about perks or parties. When really it’s about creating an environment where everyone feels valued, connected, and supported.
And the best part? You don’t need a huge budget or major initiatives to make this happen. Sometimes, the smallest shifts create the biggest impact.
Having had the pleasure of working with teams in many of these same industries, and part of our work together has been to choose and implement no-cost strategies designed to really turn things around.
And today, I’d love to share 7 of my favorites with you. Just to get the creative juices flowing. So if your workplace is looking grey, let’s see if we can infuse just a little dose of sunshine. Here we go.
I’ve mentioned before that my dad loves - LOVES - Hallmark movies. And sometimes I sit with him and fall under the syrupy spell.
Often in these movies there’s a scene where some good-doer does something quietly in the background to make sure the thing happens - the couple finds their connection or the kid wins the prize.
I love these characters. But I’m not one of them. And I don’t think most of us are, and I think that’s totally OK! We want to feel seen for our good-doing! We deserve to be seen. Whether the good we’ve done was big or small - we don’t ever need to apologize for wanting to feel recognized.
I talk to lots of leaders who think they need big budgets and overwrought programs to bring recognition to life.
But really, you need none of this. Me? I like a recognition wall - physical or virtual. Whatever suits. But just a place where people are encouraged to post - and read - about the small victories of their colleagues. Not just the big shiny wins. But the small gestures of kindness or creativity.
Just create a space for people to call each other out. “Jane, your insight in last week’s meeting really shifted our thinking.” or “Amaya, your advice to me ahead of that sales meeting was a gamechanger, thank you!”
Small quick notes. To see and be seen. You’d be amazed at the shift this might deliver.
Because please. The sitting. The starting at screens. It’s enough. And sometimes it’s necessary. But when it’s not, slowly step away and do a walking meeting.
I do this as often as possible. And it changes my mood dramatically! Take your 1:1 meetings outside—walk around the block, pace in your backyard, get moving. If you’re remote, encourage your colleague to step outside while on the call.
The movement shifts the energy, makes the conversation feel lighter, and helps you both connect in a more natural, open way. You’d be surprised how much easier it is to have real, meaningful conversations when you’re not stuck in the same chair, staring at the same screen.
You’ve heard me talk about meetings sucking our souls out through our eyeballs. The struggle is real.
But it doesn’t have to be. If you know you’re running a meeting that could be better in some way - more efficient or more fun or more action-oriented, why not give someone else a chance to run it next time?
It’s a great way to give yourself a little room to breathe, while someone else gets to breathe some creativity into your day.
Try rotating the responsibility of setting the agenda, facilitating discussion, or experimenting with a new format. Fresh perspectives bring fresh energy. And when people feel like they have ownership over how time is spent, they bring more focus and engagement to the table. No one wants to sit through another boring meeting—but giving people the chance to shake things up? That’s where the magic happens.
Asking for help can be hard. People don’t want to seem like they’re struggling, falling behind, or adding to someone else’s plate. But we can make it easy.
I’ve seen teams set up a standing, optional meeting on the shared calendar. The rules are simple. If you’re in a pickle or a bind - OR - you’re in a season of having insight or capacity to share, you show up. Someone in need presents their challenge. Anyone present can offer to help in whatever way they can.
Most people leave the meeting as both provider and receiver of assistance in some way.
It’s an awesome tactic for building care and connection while keeping everyone on task and supported.
The key is normalizing both asking for and giving help—because when teams support each other, the whole organization moves forward.
Most teams are great at adding new things—new projects, new meetings, new reports. But when was the last time you stopped doing something? Every quarter, sit down as a team and ask: What’s taking up time without adding value? Maybe it’s an old report that no one reads, a process that feels redundant, or a standing meeting that’s lost its purpose. Cut what isn’t serving you. Morale isn’t just about doing more of what’s good—it’s about quitting what’s draining.
A great team isn’t just working together—they’re learning together. But learning doesn’t have to be formal. At the start of each team meeting, have each person share one thing they learned that week. It could be a work-related insight, a tip from a podcast, or even a random fun fact. The goal is to create a culture of curiosity—where people are constantly growing, sharing, and staying engaged with new ideas.
We all, as they say, contain multitudes. And we tend to love showcasing what we know and love.
I’ve seen teams successfully set up an AMA (ask me anything) hub where each member of the team lists the things they consider themselves somewhat expert on. Doesn’t mean you know everything - just that you have knowledge that you’re happy to share.
If it were me, I’d list workshop and leader offsite design, weightlifting for women, and of course, Golden Girls Trivia! Because sometimes it’s about the work, and sometimes it’s about connecting with people who share your interests, quirky though it may be!
Have everyone participating share their topics, and just post it somewhere all can see it. You’d be amazed at the expertise that gets tapped and the new moments of connection that start to happen.
I hope if morale is a challenge in your workplace that at least one of these ideas lands for you. Just remember, you don’t need massive budgets or major overhauls. Just small increments of connection, of purpose, of shared experience can really change the game.
If you try one - or you have others to share - let me know! Shoot me a note anytime at rachel@leadabovenoise.com
And if your team or organization needs a boost—whether it’s through a workshop, keynote, or Pulse Check—let’s talk. You can find me at LeadAboveNoise.com. And if you’re loving the show, don’t forget to follow Modern Mentor on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen.
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