10 Smart Ideas to Really Improve Employee Collaboration

What is Employee Collaboration and its Benefits?

Employee collaboration is a work style where people work together to achieve common goals on behalf of their company. There are two ways collaboration between employees can be set up:

• Synchronous
• Asynchronous

Under the synchronous method, everyone on the team works together on a real-time basis. They may use communication and collaboration tools like instant messaging, online meetings or video conferencing to stay in touch throughout the workday.

With an asynchronous work style, interactions between members of the team can be time-shifted to accommodate people on different shifts or who live in different time zones. Documents can be shared to the cloud and accessed by users at any time.

 

Successful collaboration in the workplace provides a business with several benefits, including the following:

Team Members Develop Skills

Each employee brings their strengths and specific skills to the table. Team collaboration ideas give all team members the chance to learn from each other as they pool their strengths and talents and work toward a common goal.

Higher Efficiency for Remote Teams

Remote working is no longer an anomaly. As this model becomes more common, open collaboration works very well when teams are separated by geography. This style helps to ensure that everyone is on the same page and all team members are active participants.

Employees Develop a Big-Picture Outlook

As employees work together, they begin to see connections between different departments in the company. They understand that their work matters to the projects they are working on and to the company itself, and that good collaboration with team members benefits everyone.

6 ways an intranet can foster collaboration

Looking for ways to improve collaboration across your company? Download this free checklist to see how an intranet can help.

Collaboration Ideas to Consider

Are you looking for practical ways to improve employee collaboration? Many companies are interested in finding out how they can use this strategy to their advantage. Consider the following tips to encourage collaboration in your digital workplace.

 

1. Create a supportive work environment

For successful team collaboration, it is necessary for the team members to feel safe. No one wants to be afraid to share their ideas only to have the people they work with ridicule them. The work environment should be a supportive one where everyone on the team feels that their contributions are appreciated. It takes time and effort to build trust in the workplace.

The benefits are worth the effort since the payoff is a team that develops empathy for its members and communicates openly with each other. The team members will gain a better understanding of where each other’s strengths lie and what they need to do their best work. They will also be better prepared to step in to help their fellow team members as needed.

2. Communicate expectations clearly

If your goal is to create a collaborative employee team, then you need to let your employees know exactly what you expect from them. Your team members may not have worked in this type of work environment before. Some of them may hear the word “collaborate” and immediately think of working on a group project in school: if they were the person who always seemed to get stuck with doing most of the work, then this work style may not immediately be appealing to them.

Let your employees share any thoughts they have about working collaboratively, whether they are positive or negative.

 

Let your employees share any thoughts they have about working collaboratively, whether they are positive or negative. The positive thoughts can be supported and any concerns can be addressed openly from the outset and fosters collaboration improvement among the entire team. This way of dealing with issues sets the tone for the team’s work style.

3. Use an online platform to communicate with team members and increase collaboration

Your team may be located in a brick and mortar office, but spread out over more than one floor. Some team members may be working from home (either full or part-time). You may be working with a fully remote team. Modern technology makes staying in touch with your team easy and convenient when you use an online collaboration platform to:

• Send and receive messages
• Ask questions
• Share documents
• Find information

The technology allows remote workers to post questions and comments at a convenient time for them. Members of the team can respond when they come online. Users can direct their communication to a specific person if they wish; all users can share ideas with the group to help the team reach its goals.

 

Discover LumApps Platform 

4. Work with your employees’ strengths

Many people discount their strengths and are all-too-familiar with their weaknesses. To turn that view upside down and promote successful collaboration, have your team members take a personality test, and then share the results with the rest of the team (the Myers-Briggs is an example of a personality test available online). The results of the test give each person insights about themselves and allow their team members to get to know them and their strengths.

For example, if a personality test reveals that someone on your team is very detail-oriented, likes order, and works best with small groups, you wouldn’t want to put them on an assignment where they are expected to do a lot of “big picture” thinking and work with a large, disorganized group of people. It wouldn’t be the best use of this team member’s strengths.

6 ways an intranet can foster collaboration

Looking for ways to improve collaboration across your company? Download this free checklist to see how an intranet can help.

5. Encourage team members to brainstorm

An organization can’t grow if it continues to do the same things, in the same way. Set aside time for your team members to question the way things are done without being judged. Hold brainstorming sessions where team members can share ideas. Let them know that they can shut off the internal editor that tells them their idea can’t be done.

Instead, encourage your team to share their ideas anyway. Let them know that challenges and obstacles can be overcome.
Do ask your team what they think and for new ideas regularly. The more often you ask them for their ideas, the less intimidating it will be for them to speak up and share their thoughts. Not everyone is ready with ideas on the spot so give some options for idea sharing, such as:

• Posting the idea on the group’s online platform
• Sending ideas to the group by email
• Read the idea to the group at the next meeting (in office or virtual)

6. Invest in automation for your business

If your employees were spending most of their time at work dealing with administrative tasks instead of more interesting assignments, it would be very difficult for them to stay motivated. Employees who don’t feel as though they are making a difference at work are much less likely to want to contribute much to a team.

Instead, invest in software and tools that automate recurring tasks whenever possible. Taking this step frees up your employees’ valuable time so they can focus on more interesting tasks that matter to them and the company. To make the upgrade in technology successful, be sure that your managers are using it as well. Get your managers excited about the benefits of the software (which will lead to better collaboration) and your employees will follow suit.

 

7. Create overlap zones for unplanned employee interactions and opportunities for group collaboration ideas

Employees should not necessarily feel as though they should stay at their desks for their entire workday to be productive. Team members can exchange ideas during unplanned interactions while getting coffee, at lunch, or in a boardroom waiting for a meeting to start.

It is possible to become hyper-focused on a problem and get too stressed to see solutions. At a time like that, stepping away and taking a break can be very helpful. Find someone from another team or a different department to talk to. Ask them about what they have been working on and share a few details about what has got you stymied. It’s possible that in describing the dilemma to someone else, the answer will become clear.

→ Explore More: 8 Useful Ways to Enhance Teamwork in the Workplace

8. Encourage team members to socialize outside of work

Time seems to be in very short supply for everyone these days and asking your team members to add something else to their schedule may seem as though it will not go over well. However, when team members can spend time together away from work, they see each other as human, not just their job title.

Some companies organize team building activities or an outing for employees to enjoy. It helps to “break the ice” when people come out and wonder what they are going to talk about other than work! This is a good way to build relationships, bring people together in a low-key manner and allow them to get to know each other without feeling as though they are attending a corporate event.

Team building exercises can be as simple as a happy hour after work or a fun day out like bowling or mini-golf. These activities help to foster a sense of camaraderie and teamwork among employees, which can have a positive impact on collaboration back in the workplace.

In addition, socializing outside of work allows team members to bond over shared interests and hobbies, helping them see each other as individuals rather than just colleagues. This can improve employee engagement, collaboration, communication and understanding within the team, resulting in more effective collaboration.

9. Treat mistakes as an opportunity to learn

Inevitably, there will be some mistakes along the way for your team. Depending on the way they are handled, they can become big roadblocks for your team. No one ever responds well if they are called out and criticized harshly for making a mistake or failing to reach a goal. That does not mean you should let mistakes or missing a goal slide as being no big deal. Instead, use these situations as an opportunity to learn what didn’t work this time and to make better plans going forward.

• Avoid assigning blame to anyone. Instead, ask questions similar to the following:
• Is there something the team did (or did not do) that caused the mistake to occur?
• How can we regroup and move forward to reach our goal next time? Be specific.
• What can I do to help the team reach the goal next time?

Generally, when a failure occurs, it is not due to one mistake. There are a series of events that occur and the failure is the result. Spending time trying to assign blame takes away from learning how to avoid the same pitfalls next time.

Attract, Engage and Retain: The Employee Experience Advantage

In addition to ROI, employee experience measures help companies succeed at retention and recruiting.

10. Lead your team by example

If you are the leader of a collaborative team, don’t fall into the trap of “Do as I say, not as I do” when interacting with your team members. It is important for you to be cooperative with others, in the workplace as well as outside of the office.

Set aside some time regularly to spend individually with each team member. These one-on-one dialogues are an opportunity for each of you to get to know the other better. They also present opportunities for your team members to make requests and ask for support. Be sure to listen carefully to each request and avoid making promises unless you know you can keep them. It is more important for your team members to know that they can trust you than for you to overpromise and underdeliver.

 

The collaboration examples listed above will help the members of your team embrace this work style. It is a big change from employees behaving competitively. The ways to improve collaboration suggested here create a much more pleasant atmosphere in the workplace.

Enhancing Employee Collaboration with LumApps

In today's fast-paced business environment, effective collaboration is crucial for company growth. Team leaders and HR professionals alike understand the importance of fostering a collaborative culture to drive productivity and innovation. LumApps, a leading employee experience platform, offers various tools and methodologies to enhance employee collaboration company-wide.

Importance of Employee Collaboration for Company Growth

Employee collaboration is not just a buzzword; it's a necessity for sustainable growth. When employees work together seamlessly, they can tackle complex projects more efficiently, solve problems faster, and innovate continually. Effective collaboration leads to higher employee engagement, better decision-making, and improved project management. It's a long-term investment in the company's success.

Introduction to LumApps

LumApps is designed to foster a collaborative work environment by providing a single platform where employees can communicate, share information, and work together on projects. The platform is user-friendly and integrates seamlessly with existing tools, making it easier for teams to adopt and use regularly.

Features and Functionalities of LumApps

Centralized Communication

LumApps offers a centralized hub for all company communications. Whether it's an important announcement from the CEO or a quick update from a team leader, LumApps ensures that everyone stays informed.

Document Sharing and Collaboration

With LumApps, employees can easily share documents and collaborate in real-time. This feature is particularly useful for remote and hybrid teams who need to maintain effective collaboration despite physical distances.

Customizable Workspaces

LumApps allows teams to create customizable workspaces tailored to their specific needs. These workspaces can include project management tools, task lists, and collaboration boards, making it easier to stay organized and focused.

Social Features

LumApps includes social features like activity feeds, comment sections, and "like" buttons to encourage interaction and engagement among employees. These features help build a sense of community and improve overall employee engagement.

Best Practices for Utilizing LumApps

1. Encourage Regular Use:

To promote the use of LumApps effectively, it's essential to integrate it seamlessly into daily routines. Encourage employees to check the platform regularly for updates, announcements, and important information. Position LumApps as the primary communication tool within the organization by sending out reminders and highlighting its benefits in team meetings. By making it a habit, employees will become more engaged and informed.

2. Provide Training:

Offering comprehensive training sessions is crucial to ensure that all employees feel comfortable using LumApps. These sessions should not only cover the platform's basic functions but also delve into its advanced features that can enhance productivity. Consider creating user guides or video tutorials that employees can refer to after the training, as well as providing ongoing support to address any questions or challenges they may encounter.

3. Foster Open Communication:

Leverage LumApps to establish a vibrant and open communication channel where employees can freely share their ideas, feedback, and concerns. This can be facilitated through dedicated forums or discussion boards that encourage collaboration and creativity. By fostering an environment of openness, you can cultivate a culture that values diverse perspectives, which often leads to more innovative solutions and a stronger team dynamic.

4. Celebrate Successes:

Utilize LumApps as a platform to celebrate team achievements and milestones, big or small. Create a dedicated space for recognizing hard work, whether through shout-outs, digital badges, or highlight posts. Celebrating successes not only boosts morale but also reinforces a sense of community and belonging among employees, motivating them to continue collaborating effectively and striving for excellence.

The Evolving Role of Technology in Fostering Collaboration

Technology is rapidly changing how we collaborate. Digital transformation in the workplace has introduced advanced tools that make it easier for teams to work together, regardless of location. LumApps stands out by integrating these technologies into a single platform, making it a comprehensive solution for modern businesses.

Impact of Remote Work on Collaboration

Remote work presents unique challenges for collaboration, often leading to feelings of isolation and disconnection among team members. However, innovative tools like LumApps can effectively bridge this gap, ensuring that remote teams remain connected, engaged, and productive. Here are some detailed strategies for maintaining or even improving collaboration in a remote or hybrid work environment:

1. Leverage Video Conferencing:

Regular face-to-face interactions through video calls are crucial. They help maintain a sense of connection and trust among team members, allowing for more personal interactions and better communication. Scheduling weekly or bi-weekly video check-ins can help teams stay aligned on goals and progress while allowing members to share ideas and feedback in real time.

2. Set Clear Expectations:

Establishing clear guidelines for communication and collaboration is essential in a remote setting. Define the preferred channels for different types of communication—whether it's instant messaging for quick questions or email for formal updates. Clearly outline expectations for response times and participation in meetings to ensure that everyone is on the same page and feels accountable.

3. Use Collaboration Tools:

Utilizing tools within LumApps that facilitate real-time collaboration can significantly enhance productivity. Features like shared documents, project management boards, and task tracking help keep teams organized and informed. Encourage team members to actively engage with these tools, providing training sessions if necessary to maximize their effectiveness.

By implementing these strategies, teams can foster a collaborative environment that thrives, even in a remote or hybrid setting. Embracing technology and clear communication is key to overcoming the challenges posed by distance and ensuring that all team members feel connected and valued.

Measuring the Success of Collaboration Initiatives

To ensure your collaboration initiatives are effective, it's essential to track specific Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) that can provide valuable insights into their impact. These might include:

• Engagement Metrics:

Measure how frequently employees use LumApps, including the number of active users, session duration, and interactions with its various features. Understanding user engagement can help you identify which tools are most popular and which may require additional training or promotion to boost utilization.

• Productivity Metrics:

Track the completion rates of projects and tasks to gauge productivity improvements over time. This may involve setting benchmarks for project timelines and assessing whether collaboration tools contribute to faster decision-making and improved team output. Analyzing trends in productivity can also aid in recognizing high-performing teams.

• Feedback Surveys:

Regularly survey employees to gather feedback on their collaboration experiences through structured questionnaires or informal check-ins. This process is crucial for identifying areas for improvement, understanding employee satisfaction with the tools provided, and discovering new needs or challenges that may arise as collaboration evolves within the organization. Taking action based on this feedback can lead to more effective and satisfying collaborative environments.

By closely monitoring these KPIs, organizations can fine-tune their collaboration strategies, ensuring they foster a more connected and efficient workplace.

Future Trends in Employee Collaboration

Looking ahead, several trends are poised to significantly shape the future of employee collaboration:

1. AI and Automation:

The integration of AI-powered tools will not only streamline collaboration but also enhance productivity by automating routine tasks. These advanced systems will provide intelligent insights, allowing teams to make data-driven decisions more efficiently. With AI handling repetitive processes, employees can focus on more strategic and creative aspects of their work, fostering innovation and collaboration.

2. Enhanced Mobile Capabilities:

As the workforce increasingly shifts towards remote and hybrid models, mobile-friendly collaboration platforms will become essential. These platforms will enable employees to stay connected and engaged while on the go, allowing for seamless communication and project management from anywhere. The ability to access tools and resources via mobile devices will enhance flexibility and responsiveness, making it easier for teams to collaborate in real time, regardless of location.

3. Increased Focus on Well-being:

Recognizing the vital link between employee well-being and effective collaboration, companies will place a greater emphasis on tools and practices that support mental and emotional health. This may include promoting work-life balance, providing access to wellness resources, and fostering a culture of open communication. By prioritizing well-being, organizations can create a more cohesive and motivated workforce, ultimately enhancing collaboration and overall productivity.

These trends indicate a shift towards a more connected, flexible, and supportive work environment, where technology and well-being work hand in hand to boost collaboration among employees.

Discover our latest content on employee experience.

• What is Employee Experience? The Full Guide to Improve it
• 15 Great Benefits of Diverse Culture and Inclusion in the Workplace
• 22+ Best Digital Employe Experience Tools for Companies in 2023
• What is Collaboration in the Workplace? Benefits & Strategies
• What is Company Culture? Importance and Best Practices
• Diversity and Inclusion in the Workplace: Importance, Implementation and Improvement
• 10 Smart Ideas to Really Improve Employee Collaboration
• 10 Benefits of Employee Experience for Business
• What is an Employee Experience Platform? Top Benefits and features
• 10 Easy Ways to Improve Your Employee Experience Strategy
• 10 Best Features for an Internal Knowledge Management Software
• 10 Steps to Build a Successful Company Culture - Guide
• 15 Tips for Successfully Reboarding Employees
• 20 Ideas to Enhance The Company Knowledge Base
• 20+ Useful Ideas to Improve Your Company Culture | GUIDE
• Importance of Organizational Culture: 15 Benefits for Companies
• 20 Ideas to Improve Equity, Diversity and Inclusion in the Workplace
• 8 Useful Ways to Enhance Teamwork in the Workplace | LumApps
• 10 Steps to Build an Internal Knowledge Sharing Culture
• How to Create a Great Onboarding Experience for Remote Employees
• 5 Starting Points for a Resilient Organizational Culture
• Smart Working: The Agility and Flexibility Enterprises Need
• 10 Steps to Create a Strong Employee Journey Map | LumApps
• Top 15 Benefits & Examples of Team Collaboration - LumApps
• 8 Types of Collaboration to Use in your Digital Workplace
• What are the 4 Types of Corporate Culture? Choose Yours
• What is an Employee Journey? The Benefits of Journey Mapping
• Employee Experience Platform for Large Enterprises | LumApps

Discover our latest content on Team work & Collaboration

• What is Collaboration in the Workplace? Benefits & Strategies
• Top 15 Benefits & Examples of Team Collaboration - LumApps
• Create a More Dynamic Workplace with Cross-Functional Collaboration
• 8 Types of Collaboration to Use in Your Digital Workplace
• 10 Smart Ideas to Really Improve Employee Collaboration
• Best 10+ Internal collaboration tools to boost your team’s productivity
• How the Right Collaboration App Can Boost Your Productivity
• Workplace Game Changer: How an Intranet Enhances Team Collaboration
• How Collaborative Software Can Drive Innovation in Your Company
• 6 ways an intranet can foster collaboration - Checklists