17 Inspirational Workplace Quotes

These workplace quotes will spark discussion, lift the mood, and remind employees of what they should focus on.

Whether you’re moving your business to a new location or thinking about a workplace reconfiguration, the question inevitably comes up: “How do we decorate the walls?” Well, science shows that inspirational quotes can genuinely help motivate workers.

We combed through songs, speeches, books and movies for the most inspirational workplace quotes. Splash them on your reception area walls or create beautiful word-mosaics throughout your workplace—they can even help express your company culture.

1. 1. Where there is no struggle, there is no strength.

      – Oprah
      Talkshow Host
      

   2. You must do the things you think you cannot do.

      – Eleanor Roosevelt
      First Lady of the United States
      

   3. Keep away from people who try to belittle your ambitions. Small people always do that, but the really great make you feel that you, too, can become great.

      – Mark Twain
      Author
      

   4. A champion is defined not by their wins but by how they can recover when they fall.

      – Serena Williams
      Athlete
      

   5. Whether you think you can or think you can’t, you’re right.

      – Henry Ford
      Entrepreneur
      

   6. Never limit yourself because of others’ limited imagination; never limit others because of your own limited imagination.

      – Mae Jemison
      Astronaut
      

   7. Let us make our future now, and let us make our dreams tomorrow’s reality.

      – Malala Yousafzi
      Activist
      

1. The only place success comes before work is in the dictionary.

   – Vincent Lombardi
   Football Coach
   

2. Innovation distinguishes between a leader and a follower.

   – Steve Jobs
   Entrepreneur
   

3. No matter what people tell you, words and ideas can change the world.

   – Robin Williams
   Comedian/Actor
   

4. Most of the important things in the world have been accomplished by people who have kept on trying when there seemed to be no hope at all.

   – Dale Carnegie
   Writer
   

5. Don’t be intimidated by what you don’t know. That can be your greatest strength and ensure that you do things differently from everyone else.

   – Sara Blakely
   Entrepreneur
   

6. To accomplish great things, we must not only act, but also dream, not only plan, but also believe.

   – Anatole France
   Poet
   

7. People become really quite remarkable when they start thinking that they can do things. When they believe in themselves they have the first secret of success.

   – Norman Vincent Peale
   Minister
   

8. Try not to become a man of success, but rather try to become a man of value.

   – Albert Einstein
   Theoretical Physicist
   

9. Your most unhappy customers are your greatest source of learning.

   – Bill Gates
   Entrepreneur
   

10. Finish each day and be done with it. You have done what you could; some blunders and absurdities have crept in; forget them as soon as you can. Tomorrow is a new day; you shall begin it serenely and with too high a spirit to be encumbered with your old nonsense.

    – Ralph Waldo Emerson
    Poet
    

Where to Place These Inspirational Workplace Quotes Around the Office

Where do your employees tend to congregate? Where are the spaces that offer them time and space for reflection, away from their desks? Here are some suggestions:

• On both sides of the front door
• On or near the front desk
• The water cooler
• The door leading into/out of the Kitchen
• Above the kitchen sink
• Wall above the printer
• The bathroom mirrors
• Conference rooms

After you’ve found the perfect spot for these quotes, surprise your employees with them, maybe after a three-day holiday or a big move day.

Editor’s Note: This post, originally published on March 11, 2016, has been updated with new quotes and research.