8 ways to cultivate enthusiasm in the workplace

Employee motivation is at an all-time low, according to Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) England.

Only 17% of employees feel excited to go to work each day!

When staff lack inspiration, their work suffers and they are more likely to leave the company.

But there are simple steps businesses can take to cultivate enthusiasm in the workplace and bring the best out of their people.

1. Encourage a healthy social vibe

One reason that people might dread coming into work is because it lacks a sense of camaraderie. This is not something you can force, but through arranging team socials you can help spark it into life.

Large corporates often arrange formal team-building sessions, but simple social events can work just as well. At Hooray, we host a regular Friday quiz, and we recently booked out a retro arcade for our team.

Is there anything else you could be doing to encourage a healthy social dynamic?

2. Celebrate achievements

Everyone likes a pat on the back. And it’s really important that employees feel recognised for doing a good job or going above and beyond. This can also help spur them on further in the future.

Employee awards and special prizes are a great idea. We recently launched a monopoly-style game where staff get extra rolls of the dice for hitting specific customer service-orientated targets, with prizes awarded for accumulating property.

Could you be doing more to celebrate good work at your business?

3. Encourage professional growth

Nothing kills motivation like feeling stagnant at work! Provide opportunities for employees to upskill, take on new challenges, or move into leadership roles. This could be through mentorship programs, online courses, or internal promotions.

Employees who see a future at your company are far more likely to stay motivated.

Are you offering scope for professional growth? 

4. Prioritise mental health benefits

A staff member’s lack of motivation could be caused by mental health issues. Anxiety and depression are the most common you might encounter. This could be caused by work or something in their personal lives. Either way, some form of mental health support can help.

Businesses are increasingly grasping the importance of this and are adding mental health support into their employee benefits plans. Employers can offer access to Employee Assistance Programmes (EAPs), therapy sessions, wellness apps and stress management workshops.

Employees will feel more motivated to work when they feel supported and know their mental health matters as much as their physical health.

What are you doing to support your team’s mental wellbeing?

5. Empower junior managers

MHFA England’s research shows junior managers are among the least motivated employees. In fact, 1 in 5 (19%) junior managers feel unappreciated for their work, and 22% feel uninspired by their job.

What’s more concerning is that only 4% of junior managers feel energised at work each day. These numbers can improve if businesses provide leadership training, decision-making power, and regular feedback.

By making junior managers feel valued, they are more likely to pass that motivation down to their teams.

Could you be doing more to support junior managers?

6. Build a workplace where everyone feels heard

Staff perform better when they feel their opinions matter and can offer them without fear of judgement or ridicule. It’s been shown that a “psychologically safe workplace” improves communication, and increases teamwork and creativity.

Managers and business owners should encourage different perspectives and opinions. This doesn’t mean they have to agree, but it’s important to show that people’s views are valued.

Staff surveys, one-to-one meetings and staff forums can also be used as a more formal way of encouraging people to have their say.

Are you seeking out the opinions of your whole team?

7. Combat the causes of burnout

Mental Health UK recently released its Burnout Report 2025, with the following findings:

• 1 in 3 adults experience high or extreme levels of stress often or always
• 9 in 10 adults have felt high pressure at some point in the past year
• Only 33% of 19-24 year olds say they can switch off from work when needed, compared to 46% of those aged 55 and older.
• 48% of younger workers report regularly working unpaid overtime, which takes a toll on their mental health

To help fix this, businesses should promote healthy boundaries.

• Encourage employees to take breaks and unplug after work hours
• Push for employees to use their vacation days
• Support flexible hours and provide remote or hybrid work options where possible

Employees will bring their best selves to work when they feel they have more control over their time.

How are you encouraging staff to look after themselves in the workplace?

8. Create a positive and welcoming workspace

The physical and social environment at work plays a huge role in motivation. A dull, uninspiring workspace can drain energy, while a vibrant, welcoming space can lift spirits.

These small changes can make a big impact:

• Comfortable ‘ergonomic’ seating: ideally adjustable chairs and desks, and monitors placed at an appropriate height.
• Collaborative spaces: open-plan offices can increase collaboration and creativity amongst employees.
• Appropriate lighting and temperature: make sure the office temperature is not too hot or too cold. Light quality can also affect a person’s fatigue and comfort levels.
• Free snacks and drinks: free fruit often gets mocked as a workplace perk, but people do still appreciate these little touches!

Is there more you can do to make your workspace more inviting and comfortable?

Final thoughts

Presenteeism – where staff show up to work and do the bare minimum – costs the UK economy £24bn a year, according to Deloitte. But a positive workplace, that really supports its people can help ensure they go about their work with enthusiasm and a proactive mindset. Inspiring employees isn’t about one-time perks or quick fixes. It’s about creating a workplace where people feel valued and excited to contribute.

By focusing on one or more of these suggestions, you can transform your workplace into one where employees want to be. And when that happens, motivation, productivity, and success can only increase!