How Leaders Can Boost Team Energy in the Workplace

It’s a stressful morning in Q4. You haven’t even checked your emails, and already you feel the pressure from deadlines, client requests, and that year-end reporting looming over you. Your team is running on coffee, but their morale? That’s running low.

Here’s something many leaders overlook: it doesn’t matter how well you plan your time if your team lacks the energy to execute.

Let’s explore six straightforward strategies leaders can adopt to keep their teams energized and performing well, even when things get hectic.

1. Clarify Priorities

Nothing drains your team’s momentum faster than uncertainty about what really needs to be done. If they’re unsure of what to focus on, they’ll end up stretching themselves thin, and no app or tool can fix that.

As a leader, it’s your job to minimize confusion. Clearly communicate what tasks are urgent and which can wait or be eliminated entirely. Your team looks to you for guidance, and sometimes they just need you to tell them it’s okay to focus only on what’s most important.

One way to get started is to share your top three priorities during a weekly meeting. This will give your team a clear direction on where to channel their focus, foster alignment, and help create momentum towards the work that’s truly impactful.

2. Model the Importance of Recovery

If you’re worried about your team running on fumes, start leading by example.

Make sure you’re taking real breaks yourself. Step away from your email and give your mind a moment to breathe. When team members see you taking care of your own well-being, they’ll feel encouraged to do the same.

Demonstrate healthy boundaries by setting aside dedicated time for focused work and leaving the office at a reasonable hour. Leadership isn’t just about delivering results; it’s also about setting a healthy standard for performance.

3. Streamline Workflows

You can’t expect your team to give their best if they’re stuck in tedious processes that drain their momentum.

Take some time to evaluate workflows. Are there unnecessary approvals or reports that slow everyone down? Look for bottlenecks that might be holding them back.

Empower your team to make informed decisions and find ways to streamline their work. When you remove obstacles, you boost productivity and re-energize your team.

4. Protect Your Team’s Well–being

One of the simplest ways to keep your team motivated is by prioritizing their well-being.

Encourage habits that boost productivity and focus, such as getting enough sleep, exercising, and eating well. Small gestures can have a big impact, like scheduling walking meetings or providing flexible work hours and healthy office snacks.

Here’s a practical tip from L. Barbour, Director of Wellness at Arootah: “Have your team identify ‘quick wins’ they can do at or near their desk. For instance, what’s one activity that energizes them and one that calms them? Encourage them to jot these down and take a moment at the start of each meeting or call to check in with their energy and apply a personal strategy in real time.”

5. Recognize and Re–energize

Keep morale high by recognizing achievements, no matter how small. Celebrating individual contributions helps everyone feel appreciated and valued.

Debbie Chueh, a Coach Program Manager at Arootah, suggests incorporating humor. “Lead with laughter to lighten the mood,” she advises. “Point out the absurdity, share a laugh, and keep the team’s energy alive. People remember the moments, not the to-do list.”

6. Lead with Empathy and Transparency

Finally, if your team is going through a particularly tough time, don’t shy away from acknowledging it. Being transparent builds trust and shows your team that you see them as individuals, not just workers.

Your people have outside responsibilities that affect how they feel at work. A little empathy can go a long way, far beyond any motivational speech.

Share how you deal with stress, ask your team what they might need, and take that feedback seriously.

The Bottom Line

Energy trickles down from the top, so your vitality sets the tone for the entire team. By promoting clarity, encouraging recovery, and showing empathy, you can create a resilient team that can weather the storm of busy seasons.

Unlock higher energy, focus, and resilience with our corporate wellness programs. Book a discovery call today to get started!