Offices of all sizes require teamwork, and increasing office unity helps employees work more efficiently. While many business owners and managers appreciate the importance of teamwork, many don't know how to how to achieve this goal. Here are a few tips for increasing unity and teamwork in the office.
Prioritize Communication
Teamwork is based on communication, so invest in what is needed to get employees talking to each other throughout the day. Computer-based tools are especially effective, and the low cost of these tools makes them excellent for getting employees talking to each other. Collaborative office tools are also great. By assigning tasks to multiple employees and having the work together, you can ensure employees learn how to communicate effectively.
Team-Based Work Ethic
Individual incentives are great for helping employees stay motivated. Relying on too many individual incentives, however, can lead employees to prioritize individual accomplishments over team-based goals. Some companies, like Absolute Screen Printing, realize that creating team unity with team T-shirts is a great way to bring everyone together. Make sure to complement or even replace individual incentives with team goals, and make sure these goals are reasonably attainable.
An Enjoyable Work Environment
Teamwork requires effort, and having a pleasant work environment helps encourage the mindset needed to develop team unity. Solicit feedback from employees on a regular basis, and ensure employees feel empowered to talk with management whenever needed. It's up to managers and owners to decide on what's important to the company, but listening to feedback and ensure that employees are happy to show up to work each day. In some cases, more flexible office rules can help workers feel at ease while in the office.
Shared Responsibilities
Increasingly, offices are moving to less hierarchical structures. Instead of strictly delineating roles between managers and non-managers, companies are spreading out these responsibilities. Workers feel empowered when they're given responsibilities, so try to find valuable roles for employees at all levels. People are more likely to feel they're part of a team if they have responsibilities beyond their day-to-day jobs, so make sure everyone feels invested.
Employees are an investment, and teamwork is essential for ensuring your investment pays off as much as possible. Fortunately, fostering unity and encouraging teamwork isn't as difficult as many imagine. Furthermore, doing so makes the office environment a more pleasant place for everyone involved. When your business invests in teamwork, you help make the office a place where employees are happy to spend time.
Rachelle Wilber is a freelance writer living in the San Diego, California area. She graduated from San Diego State University with her Bachelor's Degree in Journalism and Media Studies. She tries to find an interest in all topics and themes, which prompts her writing. When she isn't on her porch writing in the sun, you can find her shopping, at the beach, or at the gym. Follow her on Twitter and Facebook: @RachelleWilber; https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100009221637700