The Science Behind Team Collaboration in Workplace

Collaboration entails working effectively with others to accomplish goals and to identify and resolve problems particularly in the workplace.

To expand this idea, we would further define workplace collaboration” as organized teamwork: the act of setting processes in place in the workplace to ensure that team members work together in reaching set goals. Ultimately, the goal of workplace collaboration is to increase success by fostering open communication among all team members across all departments and management levels.

Workplace collaboration can be implemented in any type of organization, across all industries: customer service, government, nonprofit and charity, education, and corporate environments. Additionally, employees at all levels of an organization from entry-level purchasing and payroll to IT to CEOs and executives can utilize and benefit from collaborative workplace practices.

Benefits of Collaboration

• Work Shift Scheduling

Effective collaboration aids the breakdown of complex problems into bits to foster innovation.

• Improved Flexibility of the Organization

An increase in team bonding and interaction would further lead to deeper insights for the organizational decision making.

• It Makes You Look at the Bigger Picture

Focus is essential in organizations that practice effective collaboration, as there is a shared understanding amongst the employees of the company values and goals, and this entails the ideation and creation of these goals.

• Increased Efficiency

With an increase in problem solving, there is greater work performance amongst employees.

• Enhance Employee Retention and Job Satisfaction

Collaboration allows for a greater feeling of satisfaction for employees as there’s room for shared ideas and a fulfilment that comes with being heard.

Tips for Putting Collaboration to Work For you

• Create collaboration-friendly physical environments

Create room for more activities that drive employee collaboration and idea sharing. This in turn drives innovation and a friendly and relaxed working environment.

• Reward top collaborators with more freedom

This could be in the form of incentives or performance management rewards which in turn employee’s productivity.

How to Build Successful Collaborative Teams

• Create more room for executive Support in the area of collaborative engagements.
• In designating team leaders, it is essential for the right team leaders to be selected.
• Be sure to set expectations and clarify roles to prevent ambiguity in tasks assigned.
• Trust amongst employees is heightened when room for collaboration is allowed.
• Appreciate diversity (of both experience and skills).
• Use technology tools strategically.
• Integrate collaboration into existing workflow (don’t make it an additional step).
• Identify obstacles and address problems cooperatively as they occur.
• Measure what matters (focus on the metrics you can actually make into a business case).
• Make collaborative information readily available.
• Be persistent in upholding this process in building a sustainable system.