Working collaboratively can boost productivity, performance levels and team morale. If you run a business, it’s beneficial to encourage and support cooperation and cohesive working, no matter the size of your team. In this guide, we’ll outline some simple steps you can implement to optimise collaboration in your workplace.
Understand the importance of personality and individual values
Building a strong team is much easier if you hire the right people in terms of your company values and the ethos and culture you want to promote. In addition to professional experience and qualifications, it’s important to consider personality traits and personal values, and get to know candidates before deciding who to hire. Look for people who have the necessary skills, but also the right character to gel with existing employees and enhance the workplace culture. Interviews offer golden opportunities to scratch below the surface and see what motivates people, what their goals and ambitions are, and what kind of worker they are.
Take advantage of collaborative working tools
Technology provides innovative solutions for businesses looking to maximise collaboration and improve communication. Using the right tools can help you simplify and streamline group projects and tasks, enable employees to communicate with others quickly and easily and capitalise on tailored tools and features, such as video conferencing and group chat. To fulfil the potential of new technologies, solutions, and systems, it’s crucial to invest in training. Google Workspace training is an excellent example of how employees can learn to customise and utilise settings, features and tools to make working with others simple and hassle-free. Training gives people the confidence to use software and online tools effectively, and it can help you save time and money and increase productivity.
Champion inclusivity
Inclusivity is a cornerstone of collaboration and cohesion in any environment. If you manage a team, it’s essential to champion inclusivity. There are multiple ways to do this, from ensuring it’s at the heart of your company culture and values and organising group events to making sure everyone feels able to share ideas, speak up in meetings, or give their opinions.
Building an inclusive business is not just beneficial for individual and collective morale, but it also enhances engagement. Data from Deloitte suggests that inclusion boosts employee engagement by over 80%.
Encourage socialisation
We spend an average of 36 hours per week at work. For many people, this means seeing their colleagues more than their friends and family members. It’s not realistic to expect everyone to be best friends, but there are significant benefits to encouraging socialisation. Social activities provide opportunities to get to know people better, build relationships and add an element of fun to the working week. Small things, like a drink after work on a Friday now and again or a team lunch once a month, can make a big difference.
Collaboration can increase team productivity, morale and efficiency. If you own a business, it’s beneficial to encourage and facilitate cohesive working. Key steps to take include hiring the right people in terms of personality traits and values, taking advantage of collaborative working tools and technologies and solutions, championing inclusivity and encouraging socialisation.
Add Comment