schedule a brainstorm sessionReigniting Engagement After Change, Uncertainty, or Restructuring
By the end of July, many teams feel like they’ve run a marathon. Between economic pressure, restructuring, leadership shifts, and navigating relentless uncertainty, it’s no wonder people are tired.
But tired doesn’t always mean disengaged. And burnout isn’t a given. Sometimes what your team really needs isn’t a break or a new initiative, it’s a thoughtful reset.
The Myth of “Getting Back to Normal”
Let’s be honest: there’s no going back to how things were. And most people don’t want that anyway. They want to move forward in a way that feels purposeful, connected, and sustainable.
What don’t they want? Forced fun. Shiny new slogans. Or another “urgent” change initiative that doesn’t acknowledge how drained everyone feels.
Instead, leaders can focus on restoring momentum, not by pushing harder, but by tuning in.
The Science of Motivation (And Why It’s Shifting)
Neuroscience tells us that motivation isn’t driven by pressure, it’s driven by progress. When people see movement, feel recognized, and experience autonomy, they stay engaged.
That’s especially important in seasons of uncertainty. A 2024 Deloitte Human Capital Trends report found that employees who felt trusted and included in decision-making were 3x more likely to report high energy and focus at work, even amid organizational change.
What It Looks Like to Reignite, Not Overwhelm
Atlassian: Energizing Through Autonomy
After a major reorg, Atlassian didn’t layer on more structure, they gave teams more autonomy. Leaders co-created roadmaps with their teams, prioritized small wins, and celebrated “learning velocity” over perfect outcomes. The result? A 19% uptick in internal engagement scores within six months.
REI: Purpose as a Recharge
During a rough retail year, REI leaned into their purpose. They hosted team listening sessions, doubled down on outdoor stewardship partnerships, and invited employees to reconnect with the mission. Not only did morale improve, but retention improved as well.
Practical Ways to Restore Energy
- Recenter the ‘why’: Remind people what they’re contributing to—not just what they’re responsible for.
- Create space for real talk: Host short retrospectives or listening circles. What’s working? What’s not?
- Give people permission to pause: Let go of the performative grind. Model self-care as a leader.
- Make small wins visible: Momentum builds when progress is named and shared.
- Invest in community, not just productivity: Relationships are a performance driver. Don’t wait for a crisis to reconnect.
A Note for Leaders: You Need Fuel Too
You can’t inspire momentum if you’re running on fumes. Burnout is contagious—but so is groundedness. Take the break. Step back from the urgency culture. Trust your team more than your to-do list.
If you want sustainable performance, start with sustainable leadership.
Moving Forward, Together
This isn’t about bouncing back, it’s about moving forward with intention. The best teams don’t fake energy. They build it together, step by step, conversation by conversation.
So as July winds down, resist the urge to sprint. Instead, ask: What would it look like to restore energy with your team, not just for them?
The spark is still there. Let’s tend to it.