Workplace Culture Lessons from Survivor: How to Help People Get Back Up

What does being dropped into a jungle for 39 days with little food, pouring rain, snakes, rats, and no communication with family have to do with workplace culture?

More than you might think.

I recently had the honor of interviewing Holly Hoffman, former Survivor Nicaragua contestant, on The Energized Leader Podcast. Holly shared what it was really like to be on the show, including the hunger, uncertainty, fear, and mental exhaustion. But one of the most powerful moments she shared was not about the jungle. It was about a conversation.

On day five, Holly was ready to quit. She was sitting on a log, questioning whether she had what it took to keep going. Then Jimmy Johnson, former NFL coach of the Dallas Cowboys, sat with her and said words that changed everything: “We really need you.”

Those four words gave her purpose. They reminded her she mattered. They helped her get back up.

That is workplace culture.

Every workplace has people sitting on their own version of that log. They may not be in a jungle, but they may be overwhelmed, burned out, discouraged, or wondering if they can make it through another day. They may be dealing with difficult people, heavy workloads, uncertainty, or personal challenges no one else can see.

The question is, who is helping them get back up?

Great workplace culture is not created by perks, posters, or slogans alone. It is created when people feel seen, valued, encouraged, and needed. A leader, coworker, or teammate can change the entire atmosphere with a few sincere words.

“We need you.”

“You matter here.”

“You are doing a great job.”

“I believe in you.”

“Let’s get through this together.”

Holly said something else that stood out to me: we all need people in our circle who inspire us and lift us up. In the workplace, that circle matters. Negative people can drain energy, but encouraging people can help others survive hard days and even begin to thrive.

Survival may be the default when people are exhausted, but thriving is a choice. And sometimes, one person’s encouragement gives someone else the strength to make that choice.

So today, look around your workplace. Who might be sitting on the log? Who needs a word of encouragement? Who needs to hear, “We really need you”?

Because sometimes creating an energized workplace culture starts with one person, one conversation, and one powerful reminder: You can get back up.

To watch the full episode on YouTube, go to: https://youtu.be/dktwwPl6w3M?si=jkUwO4wHvMrsSj_y

You can also listen on all podcast platforms.

Let's Get Energized!