11 Ways Tech Companies Kept Their Remote Teams Motivated During Lockdown
Working remotely may seem like a perk early on, but over time fatigue, blurring boundaries, and uncertainty can erode morale and productivity. During lockdown, some tech companies led by example, offering lessons we can adapt to our own teams. Here are 11 strategies they used to keep employees motivated and effective in challenging times:
1. Mandate a Day Off to Prevent Burnout
Some firms have declared company-wide holidays specifically to give people a break and signal that rest matters as much as output.
2. “Love Wherever You Work” Mindset
By promoting campaigns like #lovewhereveryouwork, companies reassure employees: whether in the office or at home, your well-being and comfort matter.
3. Make Guidelines Easy & Engaging
Long manuals can be intimidating. Some businesses convert policies into slide decks, short videos, or bite-sized visuals to make them more accessible and interesting.
4. Cap Video Calls at 30 Minutes
Video fatigue is real. Shorter calls with breaks—or occasional alternatives like email or chat—help retain clarity without overloading attention.
5. Watch for Signs of Burnout
Look for early warning signals—dips in work quality, irritability, exhaustion—and act proactively. Some companies even trial four-day workweeks to help reset balance.
6. Vary Communication Channels
Use email, chat, video messages, and other formats interchangeably. This variety keeps messages fresh, personal, and adaptive to different contexts.
7. Encourage Frequent Breaks
Even short walks, fresh air, or stepping away from screens can help employees re-energize—especially when home and work overlap.
8. Send Small Gestures of Appreciation
A kind word—or a small digital gift—can go a long way in conveying that leadership sees and values each individual’s contributions.
9. Forecast Skills & Talent Needs
Leverage talent forecasting to anticipate how technology or shifting demands might affect roles. Offer training ahead of change so employees feel prepared, not threatened.
10. Lean on Internal Thought Leaders
Identify and empower informal influencers. These peer leaders can catalyze motivation more authentically than top-down directives.
11. Rotate & Expand Tasks
Assigning fresh projects or diverse responsibilities helps break monotony and keeps employees curious and engaged.
Leadership during lockdown requires more than overseeing tasks — it demands emotional awareness, flexible communication, and sustained commitment to team well-being. As organizations continue navigating remote or hybrid work, these strategies can serve as a playbook for resilience, connection, and performance.
If you’d like help designing a motivation strategy, remote engagement plan, or leadership framework tailored to your team,reach out to Hireplicity today.
