The Importance Of Teamwork In The Workplace

“Teamwork” is often thought of by managers and HR as being something that comes from the top down in a workplace. Management leads by example, and the rest of the company follows, right?

Well, sometimes. But the truth is that teamwork is something that’s fostered at every level of a company. Many of you reading this will be able to recall times where you’ve worked well with your teammates in spite of management. So when you’re thinking about how to foster teamwork in the workplace, it’s critical to think of it in a holistic fashion, rather than trying to force a top-down model. You need to lead by example, but you also need to let others form their own bonds, too.

Why is teamwork important in the workplace?

So, how does teamwork affect the workplace? Well, it’s got a very tangible effect. A team that’s unified and working together will consistently produce better work and results than one that’s disjointed and constantly infighting. So let’s take a look at some of the key reasons teamwork is important.

1. Unity

A unified team — and in turn, workplace — is one that can work far more efficiently towards company goals. You can also feel more assured that everyone will pull their weight along the way, too.

2. Allows for a broader range of perspectives

It’s very easy for individual team members or managers to dominate the conversation and present their opinion as “the team’s” perspective on a given issue. However, a group with good teamwork allows for a number of different perspectives, allowing a more complete picture to be formed.

3. Better productivity

A team that works well together will naturally produce more work, at a higher standard than might have been achieved otherwise.

4. Learning opportunities

When everyone on the team is empowered to speak out, there’s more opportunity for people to share their ideas and skill set. In turn, you can create a more well-rounded team, with room for everyone to grow in the process.

5. Better workplace synergy

When your team is working well with one another, this will flow into other areas of the workplace too. Other teams will take notice, and look for methods that they can adopt for themselves. In turn, this helps bestow other good working habits throughout the wider company.

6. Better camaraderie

Teams don’t have to be best friends to work effectively together — but it certainly doesn’t hurt either. Having good camaraderie in the workplace can also assist with employee retention – if you enjoy what you’re doing and who you work with every day, there’s far less reason to leave. It’s also good for everyone’s well-being.

So with this in mind, you’re probably wondering how to implement teamwork in the workplace. Let’s take a look at three simple ways to encourage it.

1. Team-building days

It’s a cliche, but it works — getting co-workers together in settings outside of the office can be a great way to foster future teamwork. This can take on a variety of different forms, ranging from corporate learning sessions to a similar night out playing mini golf. Getting to know each other outside of the confines of the office is a great way to see your teammates in a more holistic light.

2. Encouraging regular communication

As with anything in life, communication is key...so getting people talking is crucial. This takes on even more importance during this era of remote working. Tools like Slack can be very helpful, but it’s also key to schedule regular times to engage with one another as a team. Team meetings are the obvious time, but it’s also worth scheduling in fun zoom sessions or team lunches too, so that they can occur in a less formal setting.

3. Giving regular feedback

Further to communicating effectively, it’s also important to be giving regular feedback within your team. This should be both informally and formally — a compliment on a job well done in the moment is important, but it’s also crucial to be having regular sessions where different team members can help build each other up.

Start building better teamwork in your office today

So, why is teamwork important in the workplace? Well, it’s the backbone for just about everything else you do. If you’re looking for better ways to encourage it in your office, why not get in touch with Motivosity today? Our product range, like Connect and Recognize, can help you to listen more effectively and become a better leader. We’ve also got an extensive archive of teamwork resources for you to draw on, too. With the right tools, you can start building your best team today.

Sources:

• https://www.motivosity.com/connect
• https://www.motivosity.com/listen
• https://www.motivosity.com/recognize
• https://www.motivosity.com/lead
• https://www.motivosity.com/resources/teamwork
• https://www.motivosity.com/blog/navigating-differences-on-a-team
• https://www.motivosity.com/blog/dont-just-manage-coach
• https://www.motivosity.com/wellbeing