All businesses have problems, and the problems that each business face are different. A business that is able to use every resource is more likely to be able to tackle any problem that comes up. Your best resources are your employees. Foster a collaborative work environment and encourage ideas and teamwork to best utilize your greatest assets. 

Many modern businesses are breaking down walls and building these collaborative work environments. They don’t keep business departments separate from one another, and they’re seeing major success without additional investment into a greater number of employees. Let’s dive into the why’s and how’s of creating a collaborative work environment.   

Why have a collaborative work environment?

Combine Strengths

When bringing people from the same department of a business together, you’ll often get similar personalities, skillsets, and experiences. Their problem-solving lead to the same solutions. When different people with unique perspectives and frames of reference are represented, an innovative solution is almost guaranteed. 

Share Knowledge

People with different backgrounds have had different experiences and approach problems differently. Collaborative work environments encourage people to share these experiences, impacting the way that the whole team works.

Solve Problems

By pooling various strengths and knowledge sources, a collaborative work environment creates a place where problems are solved creatively and efficiently. Instead of trying to apply the same solution to new problems, companies can innovate and become more profitable.  There is no need to create bigger teams.  It is simply a matter of combining the strengths of the employees you already have to maximize their contributions. 

How to build a collaborative work environment

Set Expectations

Make collaboration a part of the company’s core. From job descriptions to the company mission and vision statements, collaboration needs to be in every part of the company. Establishing team goals, clearly defining employees’ roles within teams, and providing opportunities to get to know each other outside of the office are great ways to push the desired culture. 

Encourage Innovative Ideas 

Encouraging innovation is a big part of building a collaborative work environment. Leverage the strengths of individuals when building teams. Set aside time in the week to allow people to come together in small groups to be creative and brainstorm. Recognize and reward teams and individuals that bring new, actionable ideas to the table. 

Hire the Right People 

Collaboration works if the team does. Making sure that you have people with different skills, the right personalities, and unique experiences can take a lot of time and effort. That’s why working with an agency like Staff Force is the best way to get the most out of your next employees. 

Build a more collaborative work environment by starting with the right people. Call Staff Force today at 281.492.6044 or click here to get started.