What makes a workplace truly thrive? It’s not just the tasks employees perform or the goals they achieve. The real magic happens when employees feel connected, valued, and inspired at work, and by their employer.

Employee engagement plays a vital role in creating a happy, motivated team. When people feel engaged, they’re more productive, committed, and eager to contribute. This has a direct impact on a company’s success, from improved retention to higher overall performance.

But employee engagement doesn’t have to come with a hefty price tag. Whether your team works remotely or in an office, there are plenty of budget-friendly ways to build stronger connections and boost morale.

In this article, we’ll share our best inexpensive employee engagement tactics, to help foster a workplace where everyone feels included and energised. Read on to discover our favourite, budget-friendly strategies to make employee engagement a priority in your company’s culture.

Key Take-a-ways

● Employee engagement drives workplace happiness, productivity and retention.

● Effective strategies don’t need to be costly but should align with employee needs.

● Involvement and recognition are key to fostering meaningful connections.

● Simple initiatives like wellness activities and team-building games can have a big impact.

● Regular communication ensures engagement strategies remain effective and relevant.

Why Employee Engagement Matters

Engaged employees don’t just work harder; they work smarter. When employees feel valued and connected, their focus sharpens, and their motivation soars. This directly impacts their ability to perform at their best. Research by Gallup shows that highly engaged teams are more productive than their disengaged counterparts. In their research, this led to companies with highly engaged employees being 21% more profitable. By creating an environment that supports and inspires your team, you can unlock untapped potential and achieve outstanding results.

Employee Retention

Many organisations struggle to keep employees engaged due to common barriers. Poor communication often leaves employees feeling out of the loop, which can lead to frustration and disengagement. A lack of recognition for hard work can also erode morale, making employees feel undervalued. Limited opportunities for growth can cause talented team members to look elsewhere for career progression. Without addressing these challenges, your organisation runs the risk of:

● Low productivity

● higher employee turnover

● a strained workplace culture

Foster Two-Way Communication

Foster Two-Way CommunicationEngagement thrives on open, honest dialogue. Your organisation should create regular opportunities for employees to share feedback through surveys, one-to-one meetings, or team discussions. Use tools like intranets, collaboration apps, or digital noticeboards to ensure employees stay informed. Consistent updates help employees feel connected to organisational goals, while listening to their input fosters trust and involvement.

Recognition is one of the most effective ways to boost morale. Build a culture of appreciation by celebrating successes publicly, whether in newsletters, team meetings, or via digital platforms. Personalised thank-you messages or peer-to-peer recognition initiatives can also reinforce positive behaviour. Our philosophy at Enthuse of valuing employees aligns perfectly with these initiatives, helping everyone feel seen and appreciated. Contact us if you need help implementing this across your organisation.

Offer Flexible Work Arrangements

Flexibility is key to meeting the diverse needs of your workforce, especially with so many companies now offering more flexible working conditions. You may want to consider offering remote working options, flexible hours, or hybrid schedules to help employees balance work and personal life. This not only improves satisfaction but also demonstrates that your organisation values their well-being. A member of your team who feels appreciated will be much more motivated, productive and produce greater output, than those who are not happy.

Provide Opportunities for Growth

Engagement soars when employees feel they have a clear path for personal and professional growth within an organisation. A lack of development opportunities can lead to stagnation, frustration and eventual disengagement.

To keep employees motivated and invested in their work, it’s essential to offer meaningful growth opportunities that align with both individual aspirations and organisational goals. Here are some of our favourite methods to provide these kinds of opportunities for your workforce:

● Offer tailored training for technical and interpersonal skills.

● Provide diverse and accessible learning opportunities.

● Implement structured upskilling and reskilling programmes.

● Encourage knowledge-sharing through peer-learning initiatives.

● Establish mentorship programmes to foster career development.

● Provide personalised coaching for skill enhancement.

● Define clear career advancement pathways.

● Align employee goals with organisational objectives.

● Offer flexible opportunities for internal job movement.

● Recognise and reward personal development efforts.

● Regularly deliver constructive and actionable feedback.

● Create a culture of continuous learning and growth.

Include Listening Opportunities

Active listening is one of the most powerful yet cost-free tools for building employee engagement. When managers and colleagues take the time to truly hear and understand each other's ideas, concerns and perspectives, it creates an atmosphere of respect and psychological safety. Regular one-on-ones, feedback sessions and open forums where employees feel genuinely heard can transform workplace culture and boost morale without requiring any financial investment.

Creative and Inexpensive Employee Engagement Ideas

Employee engagement is crucial for creating a positive, productive workplace, but it doesn’t always require a large budget. As we’ve explored, recognising achievements, offering flexibility and supporting continuous growth are key to fostering a motivated and connected team. At Enthuse, we’ve seen first-hand how thoughtful, cost-effective strategies can transform workplace culture. With our expertise in enhancing internal communications, we understand what works to keep employees engaged and inspired.

Below, we’ll share a range of budget-friendly ideas designed to create a thriving workplace, drawing on our first-hand experience. We’ve helped organisations implement some of these strategies to help increase their employee engagement, in dramatic ways.

Do remember though, while these individual initiatives can boost morale and create moments of connection, lasting employee engagement is built on a foundation of organisational culture that genuinely prioritises its people. When companies foster an environment of open communication, authentic collaboration and shared values, supported by leadership at all levels, they create the conditions for employees to feel truly valued and invested in their work. This cultural foundation transforms simple perks and events from isolated gestures into meaningful components of a broader engagement strategy.

Recognition and Rewards

Peer-Nominated “Employee of the Month” Programme

A peer-nominated programme allows employees to recognise and reward each other’s contributions. For example, an employee who steps up to assist during a challenging project could be nominated and celebrated at a team meeting. Pairing this with a meaningful reward, such as a gift card or some time off, reinforces positive behaviour and motivates the entire team.

"Praise Jar" for Team Appreciation

A “Praise Jar” creates an easy and fun way for colleagues to share gratitude. For instance, a teammate might write a quick note thanking someone for their creative idea in a brainstorming session. These notes can then be read aloud during team meetings, building camaraderie and encouraging a culture of appreciation.

Digital Recognition Board

A digital recognition board on the company intranet highlights achievements in real time. For example, an employee who exceeded their sales targets could be featured with a brief description of their accomplishment. This public recognition boosts morale and motivates others to aim for similar successes.

Personalised, Low-Cost Rewards

Small, tailored rewards can have a big impact. For example, offering a high-performing employee a choice between a late start or early finish for one day shows thoughtfulness without requiring a huge financial investment. These personalised touches demonstrate that individual efforts are noticed and valued.

Celebrating Work Anniversaries and Milestones

Recognising work anniversaries or the successful completion of a project adds a personal touch to employee engagement. A handwritten card from leadership or a celebratory email sent to the whole team acknowledging the employee’s hard work can leave a lasting impression. For instance, a card noting an employee’s contribution to launching a new campaign shows recognition of both their effort and its impact.

Team-Building Activities

“Two Truths and a Lie” for Remote Teams

This light-hearted virtual game helps remote employees bond and learn more about each other. For example, during a team call, each participant shares three statements about themselves - two true and one false. The rest of the team guesses the lie, sparking laughter and conversations. This simple activity creates connections and builds trust among team members working from different locations.

Office Treasure Hunt

An office treasure hunt encourages employees to explore their workspace and work collaboratively. For example, teams can be tasked with finding items that represent company values or snapping creative photos of specific office features. Small prizes, such as coffee vouchers or desk plants, reward their efforts and add an element of excitement. This activity fosters teamwork and fun in a low-cost, interactive way.

"Cultural Day" Celebration

A "Cultural Day" invites employees to share their traditions, food, or stories, promoting inclusivity and understanding. For instance, an employee might bring a dish from their culture or talk about a significant holiday they celebrate. This fosters a deeper appreciation of diversity within the team and helps create a more inclusive workplace culture.

Outdoor Picnic or Park Meet-Up

When the weather allows, an outdoor picnic provides a relaxed setting for employees to unwind and connect. For example, a company could organise a potluck picnic where everyone brings a dish to share, along with simple games like frisbee or rounders. This informal atmosphere encourages organic conversations and builds stronger relationships outside the office environment.

Group Brainstorming or Problem-Solving Sessions

Brainstorming sessions - or ‘Heads Together’ sessions, as we like to call them at Enthuse –can energise teams and spark creativity. For instance, employees could be split into small groups to tackle a hypothetical challenge, such as designing a new product feature. Sharing ideas in a collaborative setting encourages participation, strengthens problem-solving skills, and generates innovative solutions, all while reinforcing teamwork.

Building Strategic Connection and Purpose

Publish your Vision, Mission and Strategy clearly

Do your employees understand why they come into work each day and what they are working toward? Make sure your organisation’s goals and strategic direction are clearly available on your intranet.

Regular "Mission Moments"

Start team meetings with a brief five-minute story about how your organisation made a difference to a customer or the community. This helps employees see the real impact of their work.

Department Swap Sessions/ Shadow Programmes / Speed Networking

Have employees from different departments briefly present to different teams about what they do. This helps everyone understand how different parts of the organisation work together and builds cross-functional appreciation. Also, allow employees to spend a few hours shadowing colleagues in other departments, helping them understand different roles and how they interconnect.

Boosting Leadership Visibility and Connection

Walking the Floor

Encourage senior leaders to spend time regularly walking through different departments, having informal chats and showing genuine interest in employees' day-to-day work. This can be as simple as a weekly 30-minute walkabout.

Open Door Hours

Set specific times when senior leaders are available for quick, informal conversations with any employee. This can be virtual or in-person, scheduled on a rotating basis among the leadership team.

Breakfast with the Boss

Monthly informal breakfast sessions where small groups of employees can chat with senior leaders over tea and toast. Keep it casual and conversational rather than formal and presentational.

Town Hall Question Time

Dedicate genuine time for open Q&A sessions during company meetings, where employees can ask unscripted questions and receive authentic responses from leaders.

Leadership Blogs or Vlogs

Have leaders share regular, informal updates about what they're working on, challenges they're facing, or lessons they're learning. This can be as simple as a monthly email or short video message recorded on their mobile phones.

Learning and Development

Internal "Knowledge Sharing Days"

Encourage employees to showcase their expertise through presentations or workshops. For example, a marketing team member could share insights on social media strategies, while an IT specialist demonstrates useful tech shortcuts. These sessions allow employees to learn from each other, enhance skills and foster a culture of knowledge sharing.

Industry Book Club

A book club focused on industry trends or personal development topics promotes learning and collaboration. For example, the team could read a book on leadership and discuss how its principles apply to their workplace. This activity not only enhances knowledge but also stimulates thought-provoking conversations and teamwork.

Access to Podcasts and Video Tutorials

Providing a curated list of free podcasts or video tutorials ensures employees have access to ongoing learning opportunities. For instance, a customer service team might benefit from a podcast on effective communication techniques, while designers could explore tutorials on the latest graphic tools. Sharing these resources shows a commitment to employee growth without requiring significant investment.

Cross-Departmental Projects

Assigning cross-departmental projects fosters learning and skill development by encouraging employees to work outside their usual roles. For instance, pairing a sales team member with a product development colleague on a customer feedback initiative allows both to gain new perspectives. This collaboration breaks down silos and strengthens teamwork while building diverse skills.

Get in touch with us today!

If you’re looking for help with implementing any of the above ideas, an internal communication plan, or assistance with improving employee engagement in general or because you are making lots of changes, contact us to discuss the next steps.

Wellness and Happiness

“Desk Yoga” Sessions

Desk yoga sessions allow employees to relax and recharge during their workday without leaving their desks. For example, a short guided session focusing on stretches for the neck, shoulders and back can help reduce tension and improve posture. These sessions can be led in-person or via a recorded video, making them easy to implement for in-office and remote teams alike.

“Walk-and-Talk” Meetings

Combine productivity with physical activity by encouraging “walk-and-talk” meetings. For instance, instead of sitting in a meeting room, employees can take their discussions outside for a stroll around the office building or a nearby open space. This approach promotes movement, boosts creativity and encourages more open and dynamic conversations.

“Wellness Corner”

Create a dedicated space with resources for employee well-being. A “Wellness Corner” could include brochures on stress management, links to mindfulness apps, or access to a quiet area for meditation. For example, some companies include small items like stress balls or colouring books to support relaxation and mental health during breaks.

Healthy Snacks in Breakrooms

Stock breakrooms with nutritious snacks like fresh fruit or nuts to encourage healthy eating habits. For example, replacing sugary treats with healthier options can improve energy levels and concentration, contributing to overall workplace well-being. Highlighting these choices as part of a wellness initiative reinforces the organisation’s commitment to employee health.

Daily Gratitude Practice

Encourage a culture of positivity by launching a “Three Good Things” challenge. For instance, at the end of each day, employees can jot down three things they’re grateful for or positive moments from their workday. This simple practice has been shown to improve mental well-being and foster a more optimistic outlook among teams.

Community and Social Impact

Partner with Local Charities

Collaborate with local charities to organise donation drives or fundraising events. For example, employees could contribute to a food bank collection or participate in a charity fun run. These initiatives strengthen ties with the local community and foster a sense of shared purpose within the team.

"Adopt-a-Project" Days

Encourage teams to take on community improvement projects. For instance, employees could spend a day planting trees in a public park, painting a community centre, or helping refurbish a local school. These hands-on efforts build team camaraderie while making a visible, positive impact in the community.

Employee-Suggested Causes

Empower employees to nominate and vote on causes the company supports. For example, an annual survey could allow staff to choose a charity or social initiative to focus on. This approach ensures the company’s efforts align with employee values, fostering engagement and ownership.

Skill-Based Volunteering

Offer employees the chance to use their professional skills to help local nonprofits. For instance, marketing teams could assist a charity with creating a campaign, or the IT team could help set up a community centre’s tech infrastructure. These activities demonstrate corporate social responsibility while giving employees a meaningful way to contribute.

Creative and Fun Activities

Host a “Desk Decoration Contest”

Choose a theme, such as “Holiday Spirit” or “Favourite Movie,” and allow employees a week to decorate their desks. Provide simple, inexpensive materials like paper, markers, or string lights for those who may not have supplies. For remote teams, participants can showcase their virtual workspace setups on a video call.

Start a Monthly “Passion Project Showcase”

Invite employees to share hobbies, talents, or personal projects during a dedicated time each month. For example, someone might show their photography, play a musical instrument, or talk about a DIY project. Virtual teams can use video conferencing to present their showcases. This activity highlights employee individuality and achievements beyond the workplace, fostering mutual respect and deeper connections within the team.

Organise Themed Dress-Up Days

Themed days create a playful atmosphere, breaking up routine and encouraging shared enjoyment. They also provide a great opportunity for team photos and social media content, boosting company culture visibility.

Announce a fun theme, such as “Throwback Thursday”, “Halloween” or “Favourite Movie Character,” and encourage employees to dress up. To ensure inclusivity, emphasise that participation is optional and provide alternative ways to join in, like decorating a virtual background for remote workers.

Plan Virtual or In-Person Trivia Events

Trivia events encourage teamwork and friendly competition, promoting collaboration and strengthening team bonds. Remote teams can especially benefit from this activity as it replicates the camaraderie of in-person gatherings. Tailor trivia categories to team interests, such as pop culture, company history, or local knowledge. Use free or low-cost platforms like Google Forms for virtual events. For in-person sessions, include snacks or small prizes to heighten engagement.

Inclusivity and Diversity Initiatives

Celebrate Cultural Awareness Days

Identify key cultural awareness days relevant to your team and celebrate with workshops, guest speakers, or shared meals. For example, host a lunch where employees bring dishes from their culture, or organise a short talk on the history behind the day. Provide virtual options, such as webinars, for remote employees. These celebrations foster respect, understanding and inclusion, helping employees feel valued for their unique backgrounds.

Create an “Idea Hub” for Diversity and Inclusion

Set up a physical suggestion box or a digital platform where employees can propose ideas for improving diversity and inclusion. For example, use a collaborative tool like Slack or Microsoft Teams for real-time input. Ensure ideas are reviewed and acknowledged to maintain trust and engagement. An “Idea Hub” empowers employees to take an active role in shaping a more inclusive workplace.

Launch an Employee Support Group (ESG)

Encourage employees to form ESGs for underrepresented groups, such as women in leadership or LGBTQ+ employees. Offer company support by providing meeting spaces, time allowances, or funding for small initiatives. These groups can foster belonging and provide valuable insights into improving inclusivity across the organisation.

Hold Story-Sharing Sessions

Organise informal sessions where employees can share personal stories, challenges, or successes related to their backgrounds or experiences. For example, host a virtual or in-person storytelling hour, with participants volunteering to share. These sessions build empathy and understanding, creating a stronger sense of community.

Organise Inclusive Social Events

Plan events that consider all dietary, cultural and accessibility needs. For example, provide diverse food options, ensure venues are accessible, and offer activities that everyone can join. Inclusivity in event planning ensures no one feels excluded and strengthens team cohesion.

Remote-Friendly Engagement Ideas

Host Virtual Escape Room Challenges

Invite remote teams to collaborate in solving virtual escape room puzzles. Use platforms like Zoom and escape room services to create an engaging, team-building experience. This activity fosters teamwork, problem-solving and camaraderie among remote staff.

Provide a Shared Playlist

Create a team playlist on platforms like Spotify where employees can add their favourite songs. This shared activity promotes cultural exchange and sparks conversations about music preferences, creating a fun, informal way for teams to connect.

Organise “Virtual Coffee Roulette”

Pair employees randomly for informal one-on-one virtual coffee chats. Use tools like Slack integrations to automate the pairings. These casual meet-ups help employees form new connections and strengthen team bonds across departments.

Launch a "Remote Recipe Swap"

Invite employees to share their favourite recipes in a shared document or chat group. For a fun twist, host a virtual cooking session where participants prepare and share their dishes. This encourages cultural sharing and creates a sense of togetherness, even from afar.

How to Implement Engagement Strategies Effectively

The first step in any successful engagement strategy is understanding what your employees value most. Without this foundation, even well-intentioned efforts can fall flat. Knowing their preferences, challenges and aspirations ensures your strategies resonate and drive results.

Start by gathering insights using tools like surveys, focus groups, or one-to-one discussions. Surveys should be short, anonymous and target specific topics such as workplace challenges, desired activities, or communication preferences. Use open-ended questions to allow employees to share unique ideas beyond standard options. For example, ask: "What would make you feel more connected to the team?" or "What activity would you love to see implemented?"

Once data is collected, review it for trends and recurring themes. Identify key areas for improvement or new ideas for engagement initiatives. A tool like Google Forms can help streamline this process, making it easy to compile and analyse results.

At Enthuse, we recommend pairing survey data with follow-up team discussions. These conversations offer deeper context and give employees a chance to expand on their responses. For example, if a survey reveals employees feel uninformed about company goals, a discussion could uncover specific ways to improve communication, like a monthly email from the MD/CEO, a weekly newsletter or a Town Hall.

Involve Employees in Planning

Employee engagement thrives when employees feel part of the decision-making process. Co-creating engagement initiatives ensures they resonate with the team and foster a sense of ownership. When employees are involved, they’re more motivated to participate and champion these activities.

Steps to Involve Employees in Planning:

Form a Diverse “Engagement Committee”

○ Assemble a voluntary team from different departments to gather diverse perspectives.

○ Include remote and in-office workers to ensure initiatives are inclusive.

○ Empower the committee to act as a bridge between leadership and the wider workforce.

Host Collaborative Brainstorming Sessions:

○ Invite employees to suggest and discuss ideas for engagement activities.

○ Use digital tools like Miro or Microsoft Teams for virtual brainstorming to involve remote colleagues.

○ Allow the team to vote on their favourite ideas, ensuring the most popular and practical suggestions move forward.

Leverage Collaboration Platforms:

○ Use tools like Trello or Slack to track progress, share updates and encourage ongoing feedback.

○ Create a shared space where employees can contribute new ideas or suggest improvements at any time.

At Enthuse, we know that two-way communication is the foundation of employee engagement. By involving employees in the planning process, you align initiatives with their real needs and preferences, ensuring greater impact and long-term success.

Measuring Success

Tracking the effectiveness of engagement strategies is essential. Without measurement, it’s impossible to know if your efforts are achieving the desired results. Consistent evaluation ensures activities remain relevant, impactful and aligned with organisational goals.

Steps to Measure Engagement Success:

Track Participation Rates:

○ Monitor attendance at events, workshops or team activities.

○ Use sign-in sheets, app analytics or digital tracking tools to gather data effortlessly.

○ Compare participation across different activities to identify what resonates most with employees.

Gather Feedback:

○ Conduct follow-up surveys to gauge employee satisfaction and gather suggestions for improvement.

○ Hold informal feedback sessions to allow employees to share their thoughts openly.

○ Use simple tools like Google Forms to streamline feedback collection.

Analyse Broader Engagement Metrics:

○ Track employee retention rates, productivity levels and morale/happiness as indirect measures of engagement success.

○ Review metrics like Employee Net Promoter Scores (eNPS) to understand overall sentiment.

○ Use intranet dashboards or HR software to integrate and visualise this data effectively.

Measuring success is more than just tracking numbers. It’s about using insights to refine and improve. Enthuse’s approach prioritises consistent communication and feedback loops to ensure engagement strategies remain effective and adaptable to changing needs.

Summary

● Employee engagement improves morale, retention and teamwork.

● Low-cost strategies create big impacts without straining budgets.

● Recognition, inclusivity and team-building are vital for success.

● Small actions, like peer recognition or wellness activities, build a positive workplace.

● Enthuse helps organisations design impactful engagement strategies.

Employee engagement drives a happy, productive workplace. It boosts morale, improves retention and encourages collaboration. Even small, low-cost strategies can make a significant impact.

At Enthuse, we focus on meaningful and practical solutions. Recognition boards, cultural celebrations and wellness initiatives show employees they are valued. When employees feel engaged, they perform better and stay committed to the organisation.

Boosting employee engagement doesn’t have to be complicated or costly. Start small by assessing your employees' needs through surveys or informal discussions. Use their feedback to identify simple, low-cost activities that resonate, such as recognition programmes, wellness initiatives, or team-building events. Here are a few steps to get started:

● Assess employee needs: Use quick surveys or one-on-one meetings to understand what motivates your team.

● Start with one or two initiatives: Focus on quick wins, like setting up a digital recognition board or doing a monthly video from the CEO.

● Leverage tools for engagement: Use platforms like Slack for communication, Trello for tracking activities, MS Forms or Google Forms for collecting feedback.

● Evaluate and improve: Track participation and gather feedback after each initiative. Use these insights to refine future activities.

Finally, always bear in mind that while these individual initiatives can boost morale, true employee engagement stems from a culture that genuinely prioritises its people. A workplace that fosters open communication, collaboration and shared values creates lasting engagement that goes far beyond individual perks or events. Most critically, this culture must be actively championed by leadership at all levels, with managers consistently demonstrating their commitment to employee wellbeing and growth through both their words and actions.

Why Choose Enthuse to Help with Employee Engagement?

Employee engagement isn’t just a nice-to-have; it’s essential for creating a happy, productive workplace. Small actions, like recognising contributions or providing opportunities for growth, can make a big difference. The key is to start with one or two strategies that align with your team’s needs and build from there.

At Enthuse, we know that effective communication is the key to successful employee engagement. We bring years of expertise in internal communications to help organisations create practical, impactful strategies tailored to their teams. By working with us, you’ll gain:

● Tailored Solutions: We customise engagement plans to suit your company culture, goals and workforce.

● Expert Guidance: Our proven strategies make it easy to implement low-cost, high-impact initiatives.

● Improved Results: Engaged employees are more productive, motivated and loyal, driving better business outcomes.

We specialise in helping organisations foster connection and improve internal communication. If you’re looking for help with implementing any of the above ideas, an internal communication plan, or assistance with improving employee engagement in general or because you are making lots of changes, contact us to discuss the next steps.