Boosting Team Morale in Senior Living Activities Departments
- Monica B.
- Jun 16
- 2 min read
By Monica B., CEO of FUN at Heyday Activities & Events
If you're running the Activities Department in a senior living community, you already know—it’s one of the most creative, high-energy, and emotionally demanding roles in the building. But even the most passionate team can burn out if morale isn’t regularly boosted and supported.
So let’s talk real ways to keep your team motivated, inspired, and firing on all cylinders.
Why Morale Drops (Even When Everyone Loves the Job)
We’ve worked with activity teams across the country, and here's what we hear again and again:
“We’re short-staffed, so we’re constantly ‘just getting through the day.’”
“No one comes to our events, so the team feels defeated.”
“We plan, we decorate, we show up—but we’re not supported by leadership.”
These frustrations lead to burnout—and it doesn't take long before even your rock stars feel like they’re running on fumes.
3 Real-World Ways to Boost Morale for Activities Staff
1. Team Building That Isn’t Lame
Forget the forced trust falls. Try things that actually bond your crew—like “Activity Olympics” with silly relays and decorating contests, or a themed potluck where everyone brings a dish from a favorite childhood memory. One community in Texas started monthly “Mocktail Brainstorms” where the team sips spritzers while pitching wild ideas. Spoiler: participation skyrocketed and they laughed together again.
2. Build Wins Into the Week
Create small, achievable victories. A Florida Memory Care team we worked with started doing “Micro-Moments of Magic” tracking—where staff write down when they helped spark a resident’s joy. At the end of the week, they share them. Suddenly, even a rough week had a highlight reel.
3. Get Honest About Burnout—and Plan Around It
If your team’s energy is flagging, that’s not weakness—it’s a warning sign. Plan “No Event” zones after big holidays. Rotate who runs high-effort events. And create “quiet weeks” intentionally. Your team needs rhythm, not just hustle.
Ready to See How Your Team's Doing?
If this blog has you thinking, “Maybe my team’s a little more tired than I realized,” then it’s time to take the next step.
Download our free Engagement Audit Checklist
to see where your Activities Department stands when it comes to staff motivation, team building, and burnout prevention.
If your team needs a boost—we’re here for it. Heyday offers hands-on training, coaching, and consulting designed to light that spark again. Because your residents deserve amazing experiences—and your team deserves to feel amazing delivering them. Schedule your free 15min consultation here
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