Top Tools for Effective Workplace Collaboration
Top Tools for Effective Workplace Collaboration
Collaboration is a crucial workplace function, but what exactly is collaboration, and how can you use it to benefit your work life? Well to put it simply, collaboration is the act of working together to achieve a joint goal. In a group of two or more people, this can help generate further ideas for future projects.
In the modern workplace, collaboration has become an essential part of day-to-day life, but knowing how to collaborate effectively with your colleagues can be a challenge especially as businesses are becoming more complex and competitive. This can make it increasingly difficult for employees to achieve success on their own, which makes it all the more vital that companies encourage collaboration, and allow employees the ability to develop this essential skill.
How can collaboration benefit me and my business?
One of the essential benefits of collaboration in the workplace is increased productivity. When people collaborate, they share ideas and insights that can lead to innovative solutions to problems. It has been found that “the British are among the worst idlers in the world.” They “work among the lowest hours, we retire early and our productivity is poor.” Back in the 1800’s Britain was one of the most productive countries due to the Industrial Revolution and colonialism. However, once the 20 century came round, Britain fell short and was overtaken by the US*
Another benefit of collaboration is that it helps promote creativity and innovation. Employees working closely together, sharing their ideas and perspectives helps to create solutions to what may have been an issue previously. Collaboration can be tricky, but it’s not impossible. Establish collaboration by creating brainstorming chats, using project management tools, arranging video conferences, training sessions and using cloud-based document sharing. Leading by example is an effective way to demonstrate.
Mind-Mapping – Using digital tools such as Google Docs or Slack can help with mapping ideas, as it will allow you to communicate in real time.
Project management tools – Using Change Management Plan Software and Project Management Tools like Asana or Trello can assist you with outlining tasks and will help you to assign tasks to team members, set deadlines and track progress.
Video conferencing – Set up team meetings to discuss project updates and milestones. Involve everyone in the teams decision-making process to create a sense of ownership in the project.
Cloud based document sharing – “83% of employees rely on technology to collaborate, and one of the most effective ways your team can work together is with document sharing.” Additionally, 70% of employees said that digital technology helped to improve their overall collaboration.**
By participating in collaboration techniques like the above, you’re bringing together resources, sharing skills and knowledge, and encouraging team members to work together and complement each other’s working styles.
Another way collaboration can benefit your business is that it helps create a sense of belonging and community. It can help them feel like they are more apart of the business, and encourage engagement within the team. Currently, according to 2023 statistics from Georemotely.net, less than 30% of Millennials are engaged in their work and feel emotionally connected to it. 16% are actively disengaged and a huge 50% are not engaged at all.
As with anything, challenges can happen, and conflicts may arise. But with solid, effective communication and leadership, these challenges can be overcome. Ultimately, by allowing teams to work together, they are able to identify and address potential issues and solve them effectively.
Source:
*https://www.npr.org/sections/money/2022/10/25/1130633196/britains-productivity-problem
**https://goremotely.net/blog/workplace-collaboration
