Collaborative working is really gaining traction. More
and more organisations experience the benefit in forming cross-functional teams
composed of individuals with diverse skills and expertise. And as working from
home morphs into shared hub working, individuals or groups working together are
finding it a truly effective way to achieve goals.
Let’s explore some of the outcomes collaboration
brings:
• Diverse
perspectives.
Collaboration
brings together individuals with different backgrounds, skills, and
experiences. This diversity of perspectives can lead to more creative and
innovative solutions to problems.
• Increased efficiency.
By dividing tasks among team members
based on their strengths and expertise, collaborative working can lead to
increased efficiency. Each team member can focus on what they do best, leading
to faster and better results.
• Knowledge sharing.
Collaborative
working encourages the sharing of knowledge and expertise. Team members can
learn from each other, leading to skill development and a more informed
workforce.
• Enhanced problem solving.
When facing
complex challenges, multiple minds working together can generate a wider range
of ideas and solutions. Collaborative problem-solving allows for a more
comprehensive examination of issues and potential resolutions.
• Improved communication.
Effective
communication is crucial in collaborative working. Teams that communicate
openly and transparently can address issues quickly, share information
efficiently, and maintain a positive working environment.
• Increased motivation.
Working together
towards a common goal fosters a sense of shared responsibility and
accountability. This can lead to increased motivation among team members as
they see the direct impact of their contributions.
• Flexibility and adaptability.
Collaborative
teams are often more adaptable to change. When individuals work together, they
can more easily adjust to evolving circumstances, making the team better
equipped to handle unforeseen challenges.
• Better decision making.
Collaborative
decision-making involves input from multiple perspectives, which can lead to
more well-rounded and informed decisions. This reduces the likelihood of
overlooking critical factors or making biased choices.
• Fostering a positive workplace culture.
Collaborative
working promotes a positive workplace culture where individuals feel valued and
supported. This, in turn, can enhance job satisfaction, employee engagement,
and overall team morale.
• Professional development.
Team members in
collaborative environments often have opportunities for professional growth.
They can learn from their peers, take on new responsibilities, and develop a
broader skill set.
While collaboration
has many advantages, it's important to note that effective collaboration
requires proper communication, coordination, and a supportive organisational
culture. Team members need to trust each other, be willing to share
information, and work towards common objectives for collaborative efforts to
succeed.
Space matters
Optimising
collaborative working helps when the environment is right. Working in an
optimal space improves communication. For example, open spaces encourage
spontaneous conversations, idea-sharing and speeds up problem-solving. A
conducive collaborative space can also inspire creativity and innovation. For
example, comfortable, flexible environments with spaces for brainstorming,
whiteboard sessions, and informal discussions can stimulate creative thinking.
Collaborative
spaces should be designed to accommodate various work styles. Some individuals
may prefer quiet, focused work, while others thrive in more social and
interactive settings. A well-designed space considers these preferences and
provides options for different types of work. And a space needs to be versatile
allowing for adaptations to meet different purposes or for scalability and
flexibility in accommodating shifting priorities.
Of course, the
right space also should be equipped with the necessary tools and technology to
support virtual collaboration and enable the well-being of team members.
Ergonomic furniture, good lighting, and proper ventilation can positively
impact productivity and create a pleasant work environment.
Collaborative working
reaps huge benefits for organisations and individuals and selecting the right
space is not just about providing a physical location for people to work
together; it's about creating an environment that actively supports and
enhances collaborative efforts, communication, and the overall well-being of
the team.
