At Rivia, we believe happy teams build impactful businesses. But to be honest, keeping people happy isn’t just about throwing money at the problem. It’s about creating thoughtful experiences that make people feel seen, supported, and valued.
As Head of People & Culture at Rivia, I’ve learned that small things done consistently go a long way. We’re a growing company, so like many startups, we can’t always afford the big, flashy perks. But I’ve discovered creative ways to keep teams energized without breaking the bank.
Here are 5 simple but effective strategies I recommend and how you can implement them too.
1. Make Learning Part of the Culture
People want to grow. Consider running Lunch & Learn sessions where team members teach each other things they’re good at—whether it’s negotiation tactics, product demos, or personal finance tips. You could organize financial wellness workshops, time management seminars, or even first aid training. These sessions build skills and create connection.
Cost: Mostly free if you leverage internal knowledge. Sometimes bring in an external facilitator for GHS 1,000–2,000.
2. Celebrate Life, Not Just Work
Work is only one part of life. That’s why I suggest celebrating birthdays quarterly, organizing Sip & Paint sessions, and planning small excursions like hiking on the mountains or a team day at the beach. It helps everyone unwind and bond outside the office walls.
Cost: GHS 1,000–10,000 depending on the activity and your team size.
3. Promote Health & Wellness
As a healthcare company, wellness is close to our hearts at Rivia. I recommend encouraging movement, mindfulness, and mental health check-ins. Consider planning a Wellness Day focused on stress management and focus, or organize simple activities like a walk in the park or group meditation.
Cost: Minimal if done in-house, with optional outsourced experts for ~GHS 3,000.
4. Create Shared Experiences That Don’t Feel Forced
No one likes forced fun. That’s why I suggest mixing up team experiences—sometimes it’s a game of trivia to test how well you know each other; other times it’s an Explore Accra day trip to try new food and learn about your city. These activities build trust organically, without making people feel pressured.
Cost: Often just transport and snacks.
5. Be Transparent and Involve the Team
People want to feel like they’re part of the journey, not just passengers. I recommend involving the team in planning your people & culture activities. Share budgets, ideas, and calendars openly. When people have a say, they’re more likely to show up—not just physically but emotionally.
Final Thoughts
Keeping a team happy doesn’t have to be expensive. The key is creating meaningful touchpoints throughout the year that remind your people: You matter, not just for the work you do, but for who you are.
If you’re looking for inspiration to build your own People & Culture roadmap, feel free to reach out. I’m always happy to share ideas and learn from others.
A little note from us:
All images in this article (except the one of our amazing Rivia team) were brought to life with a little help from AI, thanks to Gemini. We hope they add a bit of color and joy to your reading experience 🙂