You’re not alone and the good news? You don’t need flashy perks or complicated strategies to turn things around.
This blog breaks down insights from the “Cracking the Engagement Puzzle” session, designed to go deeper than surface-level fixes. It unpacks what truly helps people reconnect, feel valued, and actually enjoy showing up each day.
The Seven Human Needs at Work
At the heart of this approach is a model backed by 50 years of social science research: the Seven Human Needs at Work. These needs are universal. They’re drawn from modern organisational insights and ancient practices like yoga. When these needs are met, motivation, wellbeing, and performance thrive.
Here’s a quick overview:
- Safety – Feeling psychologically safe to speak up, share ideas, and take risks
- Play – Experiencing joy, curiosity, and meaningful breaks
- Power – Having autonomy and the freedom to make decisions
- Belonging – Feeling connected to a team, tribe, or community
- Self-expression – Being able to share your voice and show up authentically
- Inspiration – Having a vision and being part of something bigger
- Purpose/Meaning – Knowing that your work matters and contributes to a greater whole
In a recent poll, Inspiration and Purpose topped the list of most important needs. Highlighting the growing desire for emotional and even spiritual connection at work.
How Does Supporting These Needs Look Like?
Meeting these needs isn’t about ticking boxes. It’s about removing the everyday blockers and nurturing a culture where people feel seen, supported, and safe.
Simple behaviours can make a real impact, like:
- Practising gratitude and appreciation
- Offering social support
- Encouraging honest feedback
- Creating space for trust and connection
You can also introduce techniques such as:
- Self-appreciation exercises
- Peer-to-peer recognition
- Building environments where people feel genuinely needed and trusted
These small but consistent actions help fulfil deep human needs, building the kind of engagement that lasts.
Real Strategies That Actually Shift Engagement
Here’s where theory meets action. Below are proven strategies that breathe life back into a disengaged team:
- Discover what drives each person – Not everyone is motivated the same way
- Give work real meaning – Align roles with strengths, passions, and goals
- Empower with autonomy – Let people own their work and how they approach it
- Celebrate small and big wins – Recognition fuels morale
- Build psychological safety – Create a culture where people feel heard
- Connect the dots to purpose – Help people see how their work makes a difference
This isn’t just about better performance. It’s about creating a team that feels energised, motivated, and emotionally invested in the work—and each other.
What’s Next?
Boosting engagement doesn’t have to be complicated. With the right understanding of what drives people at a deeper level, you can build a more connected, resilient, and motivated workplace—starting today.
The full workshop, Cracking the Engagement Puzzle, is now available online. It dives deeper into the psychology behind motivation and offers practical tools to activate the Seven Human Needs in your own team.
