Get Your Team Onboard: Engaging Employees During a Turnaround

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Reader,

When a business struggles, team morale often takes the first hit. From rumors of layoffs to tension over daily tasks, anxiety can spread quickly—and that doesn’t help anyone. If you’re aiming for a turnaround, involving your employees in the process might be one of the best moves you can make. Think of them as your frontline allies; they see inefficiencies and missed opportunities more clearly than any outsider might.

1. Be Transparent About the Situation

In times of crisis, information is power—and secrecy can breed misunderstanding. While you don’t have to share every financial detail, let your team know the big-picture challenges. It fosters a sense of trust and empowers your employees to offer solutions. Transparency also reassures them that you value their role in the company’s future.

2. Involve Them in Problem-Solving

If you’re conducting a zero-based budget or reworking operational expenses, consider asking for input. Frontline employees often know which vendors or processes drain resources without adding much value. By crowdsourcing ideas, you not only uncover untapped insights but also boost buy-in. People tend to support what they help create.

3. Recognize Small Wins

When the going gets tough, quick victories can keep spirits high. Celebrate even the smallest milestones—like landing a new client or meeting a daily revenue goal. A simple shout-out in a team meeting or Slack channel can spark positive momentum that cascades into bigger successes.

4. Provide Upskilling Opportunities

A crisis can be the best time to invest in your team. Offer training sessions or digital courses that help them learn new skills relevant to the turnaround. Not only do you enhance their capabilities, but you also signal your long-term commitment to their growth—strengthening loyalty and engagement.

Your Next Move

• Check In: Carve out time this week to ask your employees how they’re feeling. Are they anxious about certain changes? Do they have ideas you haven’t heard yet?
• Act on Feedback: Even small suggestions can lead to meaningful improvements, so follow up quickly.

If you’re keen on exploring more about how to keep your workforce engaged—especially if your business is in the red—reply to this email. I’m happy to share more about aligning team energy with turnaround strategies (and yes, this is one of the core points in my upcoming book, too!).

Best, ​
Micah
​Fractional CEO | Business Coach | Host of The Common Cents Show​