Tackling the Energy Crisis and Empowering the Frozen Middle

Emma Bridger

Minutes
10 January 2025
Employee Engagement
Employee Experience
Research
We kicked off The EX Space 2025 webinar programme with an inspiring session featuring Abi Humayun from People Activation, who shared her expertise on the vital topic of ‘energy at work.’ Drawing on insights from People Activation’s ATOM™ study, Abi delved into two key workplace challenges: the ‘energy crisis at work’ and the issues faced by the ‘frozen middle.’
Abi shed light on the pervasive energy crisis impacting employees across industries and regions. Many workers report feeling disconnected from their organisation’s strategic goals and are unsure how their individual contributions align with the bigger picture. This disconnect saps energy and enthusiasm, creating barriers to organisational success. To combat this, Abi stressed the importance of fostering meaningful connections between employees and organisational purpose as a way to reignite engagement and drive.

This energy crisis, as Abi explained, is not just about individual burnout but a systemic issue. Organizations often focus on output without addressing the deeper causes of energy depletion, such as unclear goals, lack of trust, and ineffective communication. By involving employees in shaping organizational priorities, leaders can cultivate a sense of ownership and shared purpose. Practical steps like establishing robust feedback loops and prioritizing open, transparent communication can go a long way in revitalizing energy within teams.
The webinar also explored the concept of the “frozen middle,” referring to middle managers who frequently bear the weight of organisational demands. These managers are tasked with communicating strategic messages from leadership while supporting their teams’ day-to-day needs, often without sufficient input into the strategy itself. Abi emphasised the need for organisations to empower this group, recognising their critical role in driving change and energising the workforce.

The frozen middle presents a persistent challenge, but Abi proposed a shift in perspective. Instead of viewing middle managers as potential bottlenecks, organisations should see them as key enablers of progress. Empowering these individuals involves granting them greater autonomy, engaging them in strategy co-creation, and providing the tools they need to lead effectively. 
Focusing on their development and well-being can transform middle managers into advocates for change and energy renewal. For instance, our proven ‘managers toolkit’ equips middle managers with the resources they need to thrive and support their teams.

Learn more about this valuable toolkit by rewatching our line managers webinar here or if you're a pro member, you can access the toolkit directly here!
Abi’s insights set an inspiring tone for our discussions this year, highlighting that addressing the energy crisis and unlocking the potential of middle managers are essential steps toward building thriving workplaces.
Missed the webinar? You can catch up on all the valuable insights here. Let’s make 2025 a breakthrough year for energy and engagement at work.