How do I raise employee moral?

I am a 2nd shift supervisor at a manufacturing company who is currently responsible for a team of 9 employees. Until about 3 months ago, the camaraderie between the employees on my shift was quite amazing. I admit that my management style can be a bit laid back but I also work just as hard as they do so they tended to follow my example instead of take advantage of me. My team is comprised of mostly men in their mid-twenties. I myself am a female in her late 30's. I found they often came to me seeking advice about their personal lives, which they still do. However, a couple months ago one of the older employees on my shift was laid off because the company tends to let people go who have used up most of their paid time off too early in the year when they feel they need to save money in any given month (production vs. costs for the month). He also was an example to the rest of the people on my shift of someone who can carefully balance having fun at work while at the same time putting out good quality product at a good pace. Since his departure and a subsequent change of management just above my level which has turned out so far to be a bad thing, the moral on my shift has gone into the toilet. It seems my employees have no sense of urgency left. They just don't care how much they get done anymore. They used to take pride in the competition they felt with 1st and 3rd shifts by always producing the most product while still maintaining quality. I need to find a way to get some moral back with what little tools I have. I am only the shift manager, but I am the face of the company that they see 8 to 10 hours a day. Is there a way to bring some fun back in or am I just going to have to step up my supervisor game and MAKE them do what I want, thus dropping moral even further?