For any organization to be successful, there must be proper utilization of the resources available.
Some leaders pay more attention to financial resources and other assets, forgetting about one critical resource: employees. Employees need to be taken care of, so that they can maximize their output and contribute to the growth and success of the organization.
Managers need to establish ways to keep their employees motivated to improve teamwork in the workplace. There are various methods that can be followed to achieve this goal. Here are some tips that managers can use, including a couple of games to improve teamwork and unity.
1. Set Clearly Defined Goals
An organization must have thought out and clearly defined long-term goals and ensure all employees are keenly aware of them. This makes it easy for everyone to work harmoniously towards the same target and creates a higher sense of teamwork.
The goals can be set under variable difficulties, so after completing one project, a team is given a relatively more difficult task. As the milestones are reached, your group’s commitment and dedication to one another will increase.
2. Promote Good Communication
Employees should be allowed to openly communicate with both their peers and superiors. Everyone within the organization must be given an opportunity to voice their ideas and speak out regarding any challenges they may be facing. Promoting free communication makes everyone feel important and improves teamwork in the workplace.
You can organize bonding sessions and informal social events where the workforce is allowed to voice their concerns and suggestions on how to improve the company. This provides an avenue for management to get feedback on essential policies and opinions on important matters such as the hiring of new recruits and setting new objectives.
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3. Define Roles and Responsibilities
Clearly outlining the duties and roles of various individuals helps reduce conflict of responsibilities and confirms the company runs smoothly. When everyone understands their duties, less time is spent delegating work, leading to increased production and success.
Employees must also be aware of the roles and responsibilities for each of their teammates, so they can help when necessary. A firm understanding of everyone’s roles reduces the chance of incorrect work delegation. This can result in unfair exploitation and overworking some members, causing resentment and damaging team spirit and morale.
4. Quick and Efficient Mediation of Conflicts
Resolving conflicts in an efficient and timely manner helps to prevent divisions within the group, foster harmony, and helps improve teamwork in the workplace. Employees can be left to solve relatively small issues among themselves without the unnecessary intervention of management.
But you should understand when to involve yourself and prevent the problems from escalating beyond control. If a conflict is not resolved quickly, it may lead to a breakdown of communication and badly damage internal relations. This may slow work and negatively impact the general output of the business.
5. Lead by Example
You should conduct yourself in the way you would like your team members to behave. There is a famous saying that one should be the change they would like to see in the world, and similarly, a manager should live up to the change they would like to see in their office. Make a constant effort to lead by example, so your team knows how you expect them to behave.
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6. Game of Trivia Questions
Playing games can also help in improving teamwork in the workplace. You can make plans for a session where the employees have a chance to answer trivia questions and challenge their intellectual skills. Sharing these fun moments during the day reduces boredom and work-related stress, while promoting unity and improving teamwork in the workplace.
7. Conduct a Typing Contest
Fast typing is an essential business skill that every employee should possess. Managers can organize a contest for the group to test the typing speeds of each individual. There can be prizes for those with outstanding speeds, as well as for those who improve with each contest.
Apart from helping everyone improve a crucial skill, these friendly competitions enhance unity and provide a relaxed atmosphere where employees can loosen up and have fun with each other.
8. Conduct Group Exercises
Doing some fitness exercises together in the workplace has the advantage of not only improving the morale and spirits of the employees, but also helps boost your team’s health. The manager should consider the various groups of individuals within the workforce and arrange for simple exercises that would benefit everyone. These sessions can include yoga, stretching, or light cardio.
9. Have Drinks Together
Teamwork in the workplace can also be enhanced by joining each other after work for some happy hour drinks. The manager can arrange for the team to go to a nearby restaurant or bar after business hours and have drinks together. This is a great opportunity for everyone to get to know each other better, improve team rapport, and build working relationships.
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10. Baby Picture Game
You can ask your employees to bring some of their childhood photos and invite other members to match the pictures with the respective adults. It is a simple game that can enhance the office mood, give people a chance to relax, and helps individuals learn more about one another.
Use These Tools to Improve Teamwork in the Workplace
There are infinite ways to raise the morale of employees and improve teamwork in the workplace. The tips and games mentioned above are only a few of the options you can choose from. As the head of your team, take some time to research the best methods suited to your staff and work environment.
Put these tools to the test and you’ll see improved teamwork, boosted morale, and better cooperation. This will lead to increased productivity from employees, increasing the overall success of your company.
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Logan Derrick is a full-time business writer and content marketing strategist. For years, he has worked closely with several project management professionals, learning from them and increasing his own knowledge of the industry. Having held multiple management positions in fields ranging from customer service to marketing, Logan has found a passion for helping others learn about project management, marketing, and the powerful tools available to professionals today.
