With more and more offices taking on an open-plan layout, it would seem that collaboration would come naturally, however there’s more we can do to encourage collaboration in the workplace. In fact it now seems that some offices are swinging back the other way. These workplaces are recognizing that everyone works differently and some people find they are unable to work optimally in open plan offices as there are many more distractions. For these workplaces, it’s still possible to set up spaces that facilitate collaboration through break out rooms and the like.
Aside from your office layout, what can you do?
You will need to follow the 12 Principles of Collaboration. Created by Jacob Morgan, author, and founder of The Future Organisation, these habits, once implemented correctly, will achieve a work environment that generates creativity, innovation and productivity among your employees.
To pull employees over to the collaborative side of life, you need to communicate with them how this is going to directly impact their own work life in a more positive way, not just for the business.
Don’t just pick the best and latest new gadget on the market if it’s not well suited to your company and its culture. Use strategic planning to understand the “why” of what you’re trying to achieve instead of rushing towards the “how”.
Include your employees in every step of the process and allow them to feel comfortable letting their voices be heard.
Be a rebel and throw out your rule book. Let your employees do what they need to do and allow that flexibility rather than policing and micro-managing their every move.
Be the standard. Support collaborative tools and strategies as a leader to encourage employees to follow the same approach.
Collaborative culture works best when it flows naturally instead of being viewed as an extra requirement on top of regular work tasks for employees.
Come up with creative incentives for your employees that reward team work and not only individual performance. Make training and education resources available to employees and they will feel they are building their careers in a supportive environment.
Identify what the metrics are that matter specifically to your organisation and its success rather than trying to measure it all.
Be aware that it can time for an organisation to achieve an ongoing collaborative culture. There may be hurdles and there may be set backs, but don’t deviate from the plan and continuously strive to keep moving forward towards the goal.
Keep your finger on the pulse, as workplace evolution continues to change. Maintain a degree of fluidity in order to innovate and anticipate industry changes.
Collaboration allows for employees to learn from each other and access information they may not have in a non-collaborative environment. This equips them with better knowledge to handle customer issues.
Collaboration can encourage employees to feel connected to their job and colleagues. They will not be quite as constrained by a traditional “job description” and this freedom will help them explore and stretch themselves further.
We all want to enjoy ourselves at work; try giving employees the best chance possible to feel this by building a solid foundation of collaboration in the office space and practicing the 12 principles as daily habits. For further reading check out our article How to Improve Your Workplace Culture.
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