If you employ staff, whether it’s one person or a whole group, you might spend time trying to find ways to make them more productive, more skilled, and generally better at their jobs. You may consider staff morale, team spirit, and the bond between your members of staff (and yourself), as ways to improve their performance.
A team with a great bond and healthy relationships usually work better together. They complement each other’s strengths and weaknesses; they grow together and help each other learn. The mood in your office will be better, and your team members happier. They’ll be loyal to you, and to each other, and keen to improve. They’ll also work more productively, getting more done in less time, and be more inclined to work overtime, when you need them to.
But, how do you ensure your team has a strong bond? You are paying them to work, not to stand around getting to know each other, but you’ve got no control over what they do in their own time. Here are some ideas to help you.
Start a Sports Team
You can’t force your team to spend time together outside of work. But, giving them something fun to do together (and getting involved yourself) is a great way to promote bonding and create a better team spirit. Starting a sports team with uniforms from Cisco Athletic can be a great idea. Look for leagues in your local area, and find something you can get involved in.
Involve Them in Decision Making
One of the best ways that you can improve your own bond with your team is by involving them in more and giving them more power over your business. When there’s a decision to be made, about new products or services, the future of your company and especially working conditions, treatment and training, involve your staff. Explain what is going on, ask them for opinions and answer their questions. Work through problems together, instead of making all of the decisions yourself and telling them what to do.
Have a Communal Work Area as Well as a Break Room
A communal break room is excellent. Somewhere to eat lunch, sit and chat, and relax together. In itself, this can be great for team morale. But you can do more. A communal workspace, with one large table, instead of separate desks, invites collaboration and shared ideas. This can help them to learn more about each others’ working styles, and to learn from each other.
Make Time for Small Talk
Chat with your staff, let them chat with each other. Don’t underestimate the importance of mundane small talk. This is often the basis of new friendships.
Party
Staff events are a great way to bond. Host Christmas parties, and other gatherings to celebrate important milestones. Even a few drinks or a meal after work occasionally can be useful.
Sort out Any Issues Quickly
We don’t all get on well all of the time. We have disagreements even with our closest friends. In the workplace, even a small argument or conflict can hurt morale and crease divides in our teams. It’s your job to resolve issues and confront conflict before they do any harm.
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