How can you create a truly positive work environment? We asked 15 industry leaders to share their proven strategies for boosting morale and productivity and here’s what they shared.
- Turn Feedback Into Leadership Opportunities
- Implement a Peer Kudos System
- Celebrate Milestones With Handwritten Notes
- Promote Flexible Work Schedules
- Organize Learning-Lunch Series
- Encourage Idea and Value Sharing
- Introduce Dedicated Mental-Health Days
- Invest in Professional Development
- Implement a Quarterly Culture Boost Day
- Create Regular Appreciation Days
- Start Monthly Community Giveback Days
- Maintain an Open-Door Feedback System
- Organize Fun Non-Work Meetings
- Set Up Skill-Sharing Sessions
- Establish Regular One-on-One Check-Ins
Creating a Positive Work Environment
Turn Feedback Into Leadership Opportunities
At Juujbox, we’ve found that one of our most impactful practices has been turning employee feedback into actionable leadership opportunities. When team members identify areas for improvement during our meetings, we don’t just note their suggestions—we empower them to lead the change they envision.
By entrusting team members to spearhead projects born from their own insights, we’ve created a culture where everyone feels their voice matters and their ideas can make a real difference. This approach has transformed traditional feedback sessions into launching pads for professional growth and innovation.
The impact has been remarkable. We’ve seen increased engagement as employees feel genuinely invested in our company’s evolution. Productivity has naturally followed, driven by the personal stake team members have in their initiatives’ success. Moreover, this practice has fostered a more collaborative environment where everyone feels comfortable sharing ideas, knowing they’ll be taken seriously and could lead to meaningful project ownership.
This employee-led approach to improvement has become a cornerstone of our positive work culture, creating a virtuous cycle of engagement, innovation, and growth.
Ali Mirdamadi
CEO / Founder, Juujbox
Implement a Peer Kudos System
I started a “Peer Kudos” system where team members could publicly appreciate each other’s contributions on our internal platform. It’s a simple concept, but it builds mutual respect and recognition, making every team member feel valued beyond their roles. This practice fosters a community vibe, where positivity flows naturally among the team.
The “Peer Kudos” system has transformed our team dynamic, as recognition from colleagues feels incredibly authentic and rewarding. This practice has made people feel appreciated and acknowledged in a way that’s informal but meaningful, which has positively impacted motivation. Morale has visibly improved, as team members feel supported and respected by their peers, fostering a genuinely positive work culture.
Alari Aho
CEO and Founder, Toggl Inc
Celebrate Milestones With Handwritten Notes
Everyone, both personally and professionally, likes to feel appreciated. A small gesture that helps my team members feel truly valued and shows my personal appreciation is celebrating milestones with a handwritten note.
For example, when one of our team members hit a work anniversary, we wrote her a note that highlighted her unique contributions and included a few personal touches. She later told us it meant more to her than any gift because it felt so genuine and personal—it really showed her how much we appreciate her.
Anna Blood
Founder and Managing Attorney, Blood Law PLLC
Promote Flexible Work Schedules
I implemented flexible work schedules and promoted a healthy work-life balance. Since the nature of a personal-injury lawyer’s job can be quite intense, I encouraged my team to set boundaries and take time off when needed.
I also fostered a comfortable and collaborative workspace where everyone could share ideas, ask questions, and feel supported. This led to a noticeable improvement in employee morale, as team members felt empowered to care for themselves and were more focused at work.
Productivity increased as employees managed their workloads to fit personal needs, resulting in less burnout and greater long-term commitment to the firm’s goals. This approach significantly improved team morale, leading to enhanced communication, collaboration, and a more positive work environment.
Joel Simon
Founding Attorney, Simon Perdue Law
Organize Learning-Lunch Series
To improve our work environment, I set up a learning-lunch series where team members could share their knowledge on a variety of topics over lunch. This informal atmosphere promoted knowledge-sharing and skill development.
Participation was initially low, but as individuals saw the importance, it became a regular highlight. Team members loved learning new skills and having the opportunity to demonstrate their own abilities.
Morale improved significantly. Employees felt more connected and empowered knowing they could contribute to one another’s development.
The application of new talents to projects led to an increase in productivity. Those looking to increase team spirit might consider organizing informal learning activities that encourage collaboration and personal growth.
Volen Vulkov
Co-Founder, Enhancv
Encourage Idea and Value Sharing
One of the things that has worked in creating a positive, supportive work environment is that I started regular “open feedback” sessions. These were times specifically for team members to provide input or ideas or describe anything they were struggling with.
I realized that when employees were encouraged to share their ideas honestly without precariousness or judgment, they felt valued and heard, and consequently, morale improved. Team members began to openly collaborate, raise concerns early, and support each other’s work as a result.
In addition, productivity boosted as the team was not afraid to share their ideas, which further led to teamwork toward common objectives. This open-feedback system created trust and a culture where everyone was part of a larger whole, resulting in better morale and output.
Sean Smith
CEO & Ex Head of HR, Alpas Wellness
Introduce Dedicated Mental-Health Days
One of the most impactful things I implemented was a dedicated mental-health day every quarter. Healthcare is high-stakes and can be stressful, so I wanted to give my team a regular, guilt-free day to recharge. Knowing they had this dedicated time set aside made a huge difference in morale, as employees could manage stress proactively.
Our team productivity also increased. Taking that mental break meant they returned more focused and engaged. This proved that well-being is part of our company culture, and it showed them that caring for their health wasn’t just a priority for our patients, but for the team as well.
Maria Knobel
Medical Director, Medical Cert UK
Invest in Professional Development
I invested in professional development by bringing in a personal-finance coach for the team. As we deal with clients’ financial futures, I realized how important it was for my team to feel confident and supported in their own finances as well. This coaching program not only empowered them with practical knowledge, but also reinforced their commitment to our clients by showing them I value their personal growth.
Morale took a noticeable lift, and productivity surged as everyone felt better equipped and more confident in their roles. Having this resource available showed that their well-being mattered to the company, and it created a lasting, positive atmosphere within the office.
Austin Rulfs
Founder, Sme Business Investor, Property & Finance Specialist, Zanda Wealth
Implement a Quarterly Culture Boost Day
One initiative I took to create a positive and supportive work environment at Zing Events was implementing a “Culture Boost” day once a quarter. These are dedicated days where the entire team participates in an engaging, purpose-driven, team-building activity. Given our expertise, we design these activities to address specific needs—like improving communication, fostering collaboration, or boosting creativity—while making them enjoyable and memorable.
The impact on employee morale was immediate. There was a noticeable uptick in positive energy, as team members felt more connected and engaged. These sessions also helped us uncover new leaders within the team, boosting their confidence. In terms of productivity, we saw more cohesive teamwork and improved project outcomes, as employees brought the problem-solving skills and camaraderie from the activities back into their daily tasks.
Charles Berry
Director, Zing Events Limited
Create Regular Appreciation Days
In my role as Head of Human Resources at Slipintosoft, one effective strategy we implemented was the introduction of regular, company-wide “Appreciation Days.” This initiative involved every team member recognizing the efforts and accomplishments of their colleagues at all levels of the organization, fostering a community rooted in mutual respect and acknowledgment. As a result, we witnessed an upswing in employee morale, evident from increased survey scores related to job satisfaction and workplace happiness.
In terms of productivity, there was more noticeable collaboration and enthusiasm among departments, which helped us exceed our quarterly targets by an average of 15%. Hence, creating an environment that champions appreciation and peer recognition can definitively impact both employee morale and productivity positively.
Linda Moore
Head of HR, Slipintosoft
Start Monthly Community Giveback Days
To bring a sense of purpose beyond our work, we started a monthly “community giveback” day, where we dedicate time to volunteer as a team. This initiative gives everyone a chance to work together outside the office, strengthening bonds while contributing to causes we care about. The positive energy from these experiences carries over into the office, creating a motivated and united team.
The monthly giveback day ignited a sense of camaraderie and collective pride, allowing team members to bond and support each other in a meaningful way. These shared experiences have led to a noticeable lift in morale and engagement in the workplace. The shift in energy has directly influenced productivity, as employees come back refreshed, motivated, and feeling part of something bigger.
Jason B. Javaheri
Co-Founder & Co-CEO, J&Y Law
Maintain an Open-Door Feedback System
To create a positive and supportive work environment for my team, we implemented an open-door feedback system that allows team members to share their ideas for process improvements. This initiative encourages active listening and values the implementation of valuable suggestions.
For example, based on input from a junior developer, we restructured our weekly status meetings. This simple act of giving team members a voice and demonstrating that their input matters created a supportive cycle. As a result, they felt more invested in the outcomes, brought forth more innovative solutions, and took greater ownership of their work.
Ultimately, this change not only benefited individual satisfaction but also enhanced overall team productivity and morale. Employees became more engaged when they saw their ideas put into action, leading to a 15% increase in project completion rates over three months.
Achinta Chakraborty
Manager -It, S&IB Services Private Limited
Organize Fun Non-Work Meetings
I’ve been running teams in large companies now for a decade. The most important thing for teams is a good connection. We spend more time with our work colleagues than our families, so we need to ensure that we have a positive and supportive environment in which people enjoy working.
I make sure to do at least two meetings per week, which are nothing to do with work. Just for fun. Currently, we have a Monday 15-minute meeting called “Something of the Week,” where each week a different person talks about a subject that they find interesting to the rest of the team for 15 minutes. I have found this fascinating as it gives us a deeper insight into our colleagues and highlights personal interests.
Another non-negotiable to our team is our weekly team quiz. The team gets very upset if we have to skip this. This is a fun piece of friendly competition, and the team looks forward to it every week.
Team events are fun, but generally are more sporadic and further apart in time. Planning in two time slots every week where the team can connect and have fun improves morale and in turn improves productivity. Without planning these in, time can slip by without doing anything fun.
Ben Grimwade
Software Engineering Manager, Just Another Tech Lead
Set Up Skill-Sharing Sessions
One of the key ways I created a positive and supportive work environment at Ozzie Mowing & Gardening is by setting up a skill-sharing system among the team. Given my years of experience and horticultural certification, I realized that each team member brings their own strengths and unique approaches to gardening and landscaping, so I wanted to create a space where everyone could learn from one another.
Every week, we dedicate a short session to skill-building, where team members share tips, techniques, or even favorite tools. It is not only a chance to learn but to bond over our shared passion for gardening. I often lead these sessions, especially on more technical aspects, drawing from my formal training in horticulture and years of practical experience. For instance, if we are tackling complex soil issues or planning a large landscaping project, I will share insights on plant selection, soil health, and sustainable gardening practices.
This approach has significantly boosted morale and productivity within the team. By fostering an environment where everyone feels valued for their expertise and eager to grow their skills, we have seen increased job satisfaction and teamwork. The sense of shared purpose and pride has been palpable.
Team members feel more confident tackling challenging tasks because they have learned directly from each other’s experiences, and I have noticed an overall improvement in the quality of our work. In the long run, this supportive environment not only strengthens our bond as a team but also empowers each person to take ownership of their role, which directly translates to happier clients and a flourishing business.
Andrew Osborne
Owner, Ozzie Mowing & Gardening
Establish Regular One-on-One Check-Ins
Creating a positive and supportive work environment starts with listening. One impactful thing I did was establish regular one-on-one check-ins with every team member, not just to discuss tasks but to understand their challenges, goals, and feedback. These conversations weren’t just about work—they were about them as individuals. I made it clear that these meetings were a safe space to voice concerns, suggest ideas, or even share wins, no matter how small.
The impact was immediate. Team morale improved as people felt heard and valued, and it showed in their work. Productivity also increased because we could proactively address obstacles—whether it was clarifying priorities, resolving conflicts, or tweaking workloads to avoid burnout.
One designer, for instance, felt overwhelmed juggling multiple projects. After talking it through, we adjusted their workload and brought in an extra hand, which not only improved their output but also the quality of their designs. A little empathy goes a long way in building a motivated, high-performing team.
Runbo Li
Co-Founder & CEO, Magic Hour
