Thriving vs. Surviving: Is Your Team Really All-In?
Thriving vs. Surviving: Is Your Team Really All-In?
There’s a big difference between doing well and simply getting by.
An even bigger one between being engaged and just being present.
So here’s the question: Is your team thriving… or just surviving?
And no, we’re not talking about sales figures or P&L reports. We mean:
Are your people fully engaged, bringing their best selves to work, and—most importantly—loving what they do?
To thrive literally means “to prosper; to flourish.” In the workplace, that’s more than just hitting target (although that’s often the result). A thriving team is:
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Aligned with company goals
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Motivated and energised
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Excited to be there every day
A team that’s merely surviving? They might still be turning up—but they’re not bringing their full potential to the table.
3 Signs Your People Might Be in “Survival Mode”
1. Energy (or the lack of it).
Watch the little things: tone of voice, posture, willingness to get involved. Energy fuels performance—and when enthusiasm fades, morale usually follows.
2. Relationships.
Disengagement often shows up in how people interact. Are there unusual tensions, withdrawn behaviours, or strained collaborations? These can be subtle early-warning signs worth addressing quickly.
3. Performance.
A thriving employee will push to achieve; a surviving one may do the bare minimum. If someone’s output dips, ask yourself—is it that they can’t, or that they currently don’t want to? The answer shapes the solution.
3 Ways to Help Your People Thrive
1. Encourage Creativity.
Invite ideas from everyone—no matter their role or seniority—and make sure they’re heard. Thriving cultures are inclusive, collaborative, and always evolving.
2. Strengthen Identity.
Help each person see the unique impact they have. When employees feel valued as individuals, they’re more invested in outcomes and take greater ownership of their work.
3. Invest in Learning.
Growth fuels engagement. Whether it’s structured training, mentorship, or support for external courses, continuous development keeps people challenged, motivated, and connected to their careers.
At Certus, We Build Thriving Teams
We go beyond filling vacancies. We work closely with our clients to understand their business inside out—helping them not only find top talent, but also retain and develop the talent they already have.
If you’re ready to turn a surviving team into a thriving one, let’s talk.
Certus Recruitment Group – Your partner in growth.
