[fighting]

'team has too much to do' seems to be the real problem. Will your solutions lessen the team's workload or increase it due to micromanagement?

Seems to me the easier solution is to lessen their load directly, push back dramatically on deadlines, force vacations/breaks for them to unwind, and try to inculcate pride in work by increasing ownership and financial rewards. Maybe pay for design conferences, courses, museum/gallery visits or a trip to Japan/Switzerland.