10 Small Ways to Boost Morale in Your Team (That Take Less Than 5 Minutes)

Staff morale can make or break a school’s culture. When people feel valued, supported, and connected, they’re more likely to bring their best selves to work. But boosting morale doesn’t require grand gestures or endless initiatives—sometimes, the smallest things can have the biggest impact.

Here are ten simple, quick, and effective ways to lift the spirits of your colleagues in under five minutes.

A simple “Good morning, how’s your day going?” can set a positive tone, but it works best when done with intention. Pause what you’re doing, make your colleague your whole world for a moment and show genuine interest in their response. Instead of rushing past with a half-hearted hello, take a moment to really listen. If someone shares something challenging, a follow-up like “That sounds tough—let me know if I can help” can be incredibly supportive. Acknowledging people warmly makes them feel seen and appreciated, setting the stage for a positive day.

A well-timed “I loved how you handled that tricky situation earlier” or “Your classroom display looks amazing” can make someone’s day. Specific compliments are more meaningful than a generic “good job” because they show that you’ve truly noticed and appreciated their effort. Even better, make it public—praising a colleague in front of others can magnify the impact and encourage a culture of recognition. If you’re feeling bold, start a “compliment chain” where each person passes on a kind word to another staff member.

Gratitude is a powerful morale booster, and a thank-you doesn’t have to be long to be effective. A handwritten note, a post-it on their desk, or even a quick email saying, “I really appreciated your help today with [specific task]” can go a long way. Personalising it makes it even stronger—mentioning exactly what they did and how it helped you ensures your appreciation feels genuine. If possible, surprise them by leaving the note somewhere unexpected, like inside their planner or taped to their coffee mug.

Check out our Resource: Recognition and Appreciation Cards for School Staff

Heard something positive about a colleague? Pass it on. Whether it’s praise from a student, a great lesson idea, or positive feedback from leadership, sharing good news spreads good feelings. You can do this verbally in a quick conversation, via email, or even in a shared staff chat. Better yet, introduce a “Shout-out Board” in the staffroom where people can post wins, big or small. This creates an ongoing culture of recognition and helps everyone feel valued for their contributions.

The environment we work in affects our mood more than we realise. Bringing in a small plant, placing a bowl of fruit on the table, or just tidying up an untidy corner can make the space feel more inviting. If you notice a messy area, a quick declutter can work wonders—straightening chairs, wiping a table, or refilling the tea station. Small acts of care for shared spaces remind everyone that this is a place where they are valued and deserve comfort.

Did a colleague finally get through a tough week? Did a tricky student respond well to their approach? Take a moment to celebrate it. Saying something as simple as “That must feel so rewarding.” reinforces the value of small victories. If possible, make it a habit—perhaps a “Friday Wins” tradition where everyone shares one thing that went well that week. Recognising small successes prevents burnout by shifting focus from what’s still to do towards what has already been achieved.

Offering to cover a break duty, help tidy up, or assist with an administrative task—even just for a few minutes—can ease a colleague’s stress and build a culture of support. If someone looks frazzled, a quick “Want me to grab you a coffee?” or “I’ve got five minutes, need a hand?” can make a big difference. These moments create a strong sense of teamwork, reinforcing the idea that no one has to struggle alone.

We all have moments where a student says or does something that reminds us why we do this job. Sharing these small, meaningful stories can lift the whole team’s mood. Whether it’s a heartfelt comment from a pupil, a funny classroom moment, or a breakthrough with a student, taking a minute to share reminds everyone of the joy in teaching. If you’re in a team meeting, start with a “Good News Minute” where each person shares a positive moment from their week.

Humour is an underrated stress reliever. A funny (and appropriate!) meme, joke, or even a ridiculous school-related anecdote can provide a much-needed laugh in the middle of a stressful day. If your school has a staff WhatsApp group, consider having a light-hearted “Meme of the Week” tradition. Even something as simple as sending a funny GIF in an email can brighten someone’s day. Laughter helps build stronger relationships and makes even the toughest days feel a little lighter.

Instead of the automatic “How are you?” that gets a “Fine” in response, try something more intentional: “How are you really doing today?” or “What’s been the highlight of your week?” Asking with care, and actually listening to the response, helps people feel heard and valued. If someone is struggling, simply acknowledging their feelings with “That sounds really tough—I’m here if you need anything” can make a difference. Genuine check-ins build deeper workplace connections and help create a culture of support.

None of these ideas require extra time or effort—they’re about small shifts in how we interact and support each other. When staff morale is high, everyone benefits: students, teachers, and the wider school community. Choose one of these ideas today and see the ripple effect it creates.