Nowadays, most jobs require a team: the labourers in the construction field, the graphic designers in a marketing meeting, or even the surgeons and anesthesiologists working together in an operation room. Thus, collaboration in the workplace is not only beneficial but necessary.
What does the term mean, though? Employee collaboration is when a group of people work towards a common goal by sharing ideas, giving feedback, and thinking critically with one another. With the increase in technological collaboration platforms, sharing ideas virtually has become commonplace. Knowing all this, changing the workplace environment to facilitate collaboration is always encouraged!
There are few consequences of collaboration in the workplace; however, there are many benefits to be found in this action of alliance and teamwork. As such, you will want to keep reading to discover how collaboration can benefit your company and why you should push for it at every chance possible.
Here are seven benefits of collaboration in the workplace:
Benefit #1: Aids in problem-solving
Collaboration brings like-minded individuals together to discuss potential solutions to problems that may arise. As such, outsourcing difficulties you may have can help you quickly discover solutions!
Benefit #2: Online collaboration
Working as a team has never been easy with the increasing volume of technology and collaboration software. Collaboration, especially online, helps facilitate more convenient meetings, faster sharing of projects and ideas, and a database of all the necessary information.
Employees no longer worry about commuting and travel costs with online meeting platforms. Instead, they can direct their full attention to the task at hand. Team collaboration software is essential for modern workplaces.
Benefit #3: Boosts morale and engagement
One of the greatest indicators of a healthy workplace is how engaged employees are with each other and the company itself. Those engaged double their chances of success due to their sense of purpose at the company and the ability to feel fulfilled in their role.
By instilling collaboration as a core value (see the point above), employees can better interact with the material by sharing designs, bouncing ideas off of each other, and reevaluating their progress. Another way to think about it: employees are simply human. Acceptance and belonging are among the most innate human needs— collaboration can fulfill this need while simultaneously encouraging the company’s betterment.
Benefit #4: Brings people together toward a common vision
Not only does it help you when problem-solving, but collaboration also allows for a tighter community environment within your organization. By encouraging collaboration within the department and between departments, you will increase interaction amongst the entirety of the workplace.
This will ensure that everybody at the company is on the same page and working towards the same goals. A common vision is cited as one of the most effective methods of increasing innovation (more on that later) and boosting morale.
Benefit #5: Increases innovation
Have you ever had a moment where you were stuck on a problem, and somebody suggested the next step, and suddenly, you finished the entire question on your own? That is essentially how increasing collaboration can increase innovation as well.
By collecting ideas from those around you and sharing your own, you can now build on each other’s and reach new intellectual heights.
Benefit #6: Increased productivity
We feel a greater responsibility for the task when working in a team. If you cannot complete it, you are not only letting yourself and your boss down but also letting down all of your teammates. If you do not put your best work forward, others will be responsible for picking up where you left off.
As such, productivity is a direct product of increased collaboration (and we’re not complaining!) Seeing others work hard at a task is also highly encouraging, pushing others to do the same.
Benefit #7: Learning potential
Isn’t it the best feeling to see your employees grow and develop into their full potential? We love this feeling, and collaboration can get you there. When teams collaborate, they now have the chance to learn from one another.
A simple question such as “why do you do that” or “how exactly does that work” can help break down the technological barriers between departments, facilitating learning and teamwork! This is especially important in today’s working climate, where employees search for growth opportunities. Employees no longer wish to remain static; they want to seek learning in the workplace, and collaboration can do that.