According to the CIPD, job satisfaction in the UK is at a two-year low across all sectors. In addition to this, a survey by ORC International found that the UK is 12th in the world for employee happiness and engagement.
This is something that I believe needs to change. Why? Because a disgruntled workforce will be hurting your business.
It is difficult to put a figure on the value of a happy team, but it is easy to consider the damage an unhappy team can cause. For example, time wasted, hurt feelings, high stress levels, unclear goals and conflicting processes are all part of an unhappy team.
Side effects of a dissatisfied team
If employees are not sure of the role they have in a team and do not speak out for fear of conflict, then this means talent is wasted. An organisation that truly values diversity will also value different ways of thinking, yet often in teams there is a dominant thinking type that will be valued above all others.
Furthermore, a person that excels in creativity may not be listened to in a team that has logic as the predominant thinking style and vice versa.
What makes a happy team?
To have a competitive edge a team needs to support and value every type of thinking so that it does not miss out on new workable ideas.
A good team is made up of individuals who value the opinion of all members. An effective team does not stumble upon being productive by accident, they go through a process of development. One such process for developing a productive team is the “forming, storming, norming, performing and adjourning” model, but very few teams put such a model in practice.
How do you build trust and engagement?
Below is a selection of exercises or tips for encouraging team bonding in your office:
- Use tried-and-tested team building exercises
Asking individuals or small sub-teams to ask each other for something they need in order to complete their own task and make it so they must do something in return for assistance. This is an excellent way for people to understand the importance of give-and-take.
- Embrace happiness and laughter
Laughter often leads to strong bonds, so it is important to invoke these feelings as part of your team building. Kit Out My Office have produced an online selection of office games that you can use.
- Explore activities created by learning organisations
Take advantage of activities created by companies such as Metalog, MTa and RSVP rather than spending time developing your own.
- Change the practices of your business
Many businesses offer development opportunities and rewards for individuals. One definite way to build trust and engagement in a team is to offer incentives based on team activity or performance.
When is the time to use a professional?
It comes down to budget as opposed to the benefits of each. An internal architect may know more of your company processes but not have the expertise that a professional facilitator would have.
If you do choose to do it yourself, ensure you have a clear understanding of the tasks that you want to undertake and ensure they are connected to the message you want to convey.
Furthermore, consider the location for your sessions. Holding off-site sessions is a wise choice as this allows you to ensure that interruptions are kept to a minimum.
