Effective team collaboration not only improves productivity and efficiency, but also contributes to the long-term well-being of individuals. In fact, a Stanford University study revealed that employees who were encouraged to work collaboratively were able to stick to their tasks 64% longer than those who worked alone, and reported higher engagement levels, lower fatigue levels, and a higher success rate.

Additionally, a report by the Institute for Corporate Productivity found that firms that promote collaborative working are five times more likely to be high performing than those that don’t.

In this article, we will discuss methods for greater team collaboration. For further information on nurturing a collaborative team culture, get in touch with Atrium HR Consulting’s Training and Development team.

Optimise your Workspace

Encouraging collaboration within and between teams and departments is crucial for firms. This begins with creating a work environment that promotes interaction among employees, whether they are on site or working remotely. Design and layout should be considered to provide the best opportunities for staff to communicate with each other. For instance, an open-plan office allows for face-to-face communication instead of isolating workers in cubicles or separate rooms.

For remote teams, it’s essential to equip them with effective tools and collaborative online platforms such as Teams, Slack, and Trello, as well as phone calls, emails, and video conferencing. This ensures engagement, interaction, and the ability to work on projects together in real-time.

Building a Culture of Collaboration

Creating an inclusive, collaborative culture and way of working is crucial for employers. This culture should be established from the top, with senior management setting the tone and leading by example, and consistently integrated into all protocols and procedures.

To promote collaboration, managers should hold regular team meetings where everyone has a chance to voice their thoughts. Additionally, team bonding and social events, such as going out for a meal or drinks, can help staff build rapport and get to know each other better.

Recognising and celebrating good team performance is also important, and can include incentivising with bonuses. This encourages team members to maintain high standards and work towards success.

Quantifying Success

Measuring the effectiveness of team collaboration is also important, by evaluating output, results, and employee satisfaction. Ultimately, collaboration fosters a sense of teamwork and shared goals that can lead to positive outcomes for both the team and the company.

Rewarding your team when it is evident that a collaborative effort has led to success is key. Use your success as an opportunity to celebrate the effectiveness of your team when they work well together.

Source Material: https://hrnews.co.uk/how-business-can-encourage-greater-team-collaboration/