How to Create a Team Atmosphere in the Workplace

Co-workers must build successful teams to contribute to a company's success.

A company benefits when all of its employees feel they are part of a team and everyone works together toward a shared goal. Productivity and a positive workplace environment should be part of that goal. A company can enhance its team atmosphere by encouraging non-work-related interaction between employees and also by helping project teams work together successfully. This combination of an overall team atmosphere and support of specific project teams can go far to enhance a company's success and profitability.

Instructions

1. Organize group dinners or recreational activities, such as softball games, for employees. This will help employees get to know each other without the pressure of work duties hanging over them. During initial staff meetings with employees who are new to working together, institute activities that help people introduce themselves. Break staff up into pairs, for example, and have each person tell his partner three facts about himself. Then have each staff member introduce his partner to the group.

2. Pair individuals with different strengths together when formalizing project teams. Assign tasks that play to each team member's forte. Team members should understand when their partner is better able to successfully execute an element of the project and demonstrate respect for that partner by allowing him to complete it. Avoid using the team environment to challenge employees into doing new and more difficult tasks; if one team member is unsuccessful in his duties, the entire team's productivity can be damaged.

3. Give clear direction to the team on their mission, each person's role within the team and processes for conflict resolution. According to organizational psychologist David G. Javitch in "Entrepreneur" magazine: "The key word here is clear. When goals, roles, processes, trust and relationships are clear, then success almost always follows." To ensure the direction you give your teams is clear, regularly review projects in progress at departmental meetings. If one team appears to be having difficulty, meet with the members privately to get at the root of the problem and clarify objectives and roles if necessary.

4. Give team successes public recognition. Start every departmental meeting by reviewing the accomplishments of teams and how their projects have contributed to the company's goals. Include team efforts in company newsletters and acknowledge the need for strong teamwork for the company's mission to succeed. Let teams know they are valued. When staff members do well, make it known and encourage other employees to do the same.

References

• "Entrepreneur"; How to Foster Effective Teamwork; David G. Javitch; May 2003
• BNET; What Managers Can Learn About Teamwork from Discovery's 'Dual Survival'; Herb Schaffner; May 2011
• University of Florida Extension; Building Teamwork and the Importance of Trust in a Business Environment; Clayton Becton, et al.; 2009