Communication that Energizes

Communication isn’t just about sharing information—it’s about shaping energy and engagement.

As leaders, every message we send—whether it’s in a team meeting, an email or a one-on-one conversation—either fuels engagement or drains it. And in a world where only 23% of employees report feeling engaged at work (Gallup, 2023), we can’t afford to communicate on autopilot.

But here’s the good news—communication is a skill we can design with intention. And when we do, we create workplaces where people feel valued, connected and motivated to do their best work.

The Link Between Communication and Engagement

Think about a time when you felt truly seen and appreciated at work. Maybe a leader recognized your contribution, or a colleague reached out to check in. How did that change your energy? Your motivation?

Now, think about a time when communication was unclear, inconsistent or purely transactional. Did it leave you feeling disconnected? Frustrated? Less engaged?

Science backs this up.

📌 Teams with effective communication are 4.5x more likely to have highly engaged employees (Queens University).

📌 Employees who feel heard are 4.6x more likely to perform their best work (Salesforce).

📌 Recognition-rich workplaces experience 31% lower turnover and higher productivity (SHRM).

In short, how we communicate directly impacts engagement, innovation and retention.

The Eight Pillars of Happiness in Team Communication

If we want our communication to energize rather than exhaust, we need to design it for happiness. The Eight Pillars of Happiness provide a blueprint.

Confidence → Do your messages instill trust and empowerment? Do employees feel safe speaking up and sharing ideas?

Authenticity → Are you communicating in a way that feels real and human? Or are you defaulting to corporate jargon and formality?

Purpose → Does your team understand the why behind their work? Do you connect their efforts to a larger vision?

Compassion → Are you checking in on people, not just projects? Are you recognizing their challenges and wins?

Optimism → Do your messages inspire hope and possibility? Are you helping your team see what’s possible instead of just what’s wrong?

Feeling → Are emotions welcomed in your workplace? Do employees feel comfortable expressing concerns, excitement or frustration?

Gratitude → Are you making appreciation a habit? When was the last time you recognized someone’s contribution?

Curiosity → Are you asking real questions and genuinely listening? Are meetings and feedback loops opportunities for growth, not just updates?

When these elements are woven into everyday communication, engagement skyrockets. Because when people feel valued, they show up differently.

Designing for Better Communication: Best Practices for Leaders

If we want to create an engaged, energized team, we have to be intentional about how we communicate. Here are some ways to shift from transactional communication to transformational communication:

Make meetings matter. Too many meetings drain energy instead of fueling collaboration. Keep meetings focused, interactive and meaningful. Open with gratitude or a question that sparks connection before diving into business.

Recognize progress, not just outcomes. Don’t wait for big wins to celebrate contributions. A simple “I see the effort you put into this” can be a powerful motivator.

Ask better questions. Instead of “Any questions?” try: What’s one thing we could do to make this project better? What’s a challenge you’re facing that we haven’t addressed?

Make space for real conversations. Team check-ins shouldn’t just be about deadlines. Ask, How are you feeling about your workload? What’s something you’re excited about right now?

Use small touchpoints to create big impact. A quick email, Slack message or handwritten note of appreciation can shift the energy of someone’s entire day.

Need Help? I’ve Got You.

If you’re not sure where to start, I’ve put together something to make it easier—10 Plug-and-Play Emails to Motivate, Energize & Engage Your Team.

These templates are designed to:

✔ Save you time while strengthening team morale

✔ Help you communicate with confidence, gratitude, and purpose

✔ Boost engagement and create a culture of appreciation

👉 Click here to download your free copy and start leading with impact today.

Because when communication fuels connection, everyone thrives. Let’s make it happen.