22 July, 2021
Digital Engagement Tools to Create a Collaborative Work Culture
Collaboration is a highly regarded virtue for business success, especially in today’s times when the very definition of working together has changed. There are no more shouts across cubicles, conference calls don’t involve a conference room and onboarding just means logging into multiple applications and tools. Having said so, collaboration tools are the fulcrum of modern work culture and help facilitate connection, establish transparency, boost productivity and enhance employee engagement. This blog talks about the importance of a connected culture and the role of digital engagement tools in bringing such a culture to life.
Transparency and Trust
An organization which hopes to optimize talent and improve business outcomes must do so in an atmosphere of trust and openness. This can be catalyzed at the leadership level, wherein important organizational updates as well as future plans are communicated to all employees in a timely and transparent way. Regular org-wide announcements via an employee experience hub will ensure connectedness among workers including field staff, remote workers and the contingent workforce. Hosting executive connect programs like conversations with the senior management will also boost collaborative spirit.
Feedback and Inclusion
Including employees in the decision-making process via pulse surveys and polls gives them the increased confidence of being heard and makes them trust that the organization has their best interests at heart. This is especially true for the Gen Z strata, as explained in our blog on the ‘Drive to Defend’. Besides, research has shown that collaboration is a prerequisite for innovation. Therefore, openly inviting 360 degree feedback can be beneficial for crucial breakthroughs and creative problem solving.
Accessibility and Ease-of-Use
Breaking down siloes and enabling free-flowing, two-way communication is an important component of a collaborative work culture. Having a common social wall for the entire company can help accomplish this, wherein the management and employees alike can share their views, with moderation from HR. Having virtual discussion forums for common interests can increase employee bonding, provide mentoring opportunities, and boost morale. Having such tools on a mobile-first platform and a multilingual interface can further increase accessibility.
Rewards and Recognition
A great way to actively promote collaboration is by using the rewards and recognition program to incentivize teamwork and cooperation. A 360-recognition system boosts a culture of appreciation, thus increasing team cohesiveness and collaboration as a result. In addition, celebrating achievements through public recognition and leaderboards can multiply its impact while making everyone a part of an individual employee’s success.
Virtual Group Events
Various forms of group activities like virtual team competitions and bingo nights can bring people together in unexpected, informal ways, boosting their creativity and the ability to work together towards a common goal. Getting advance notifications for birthdays, anniversaries and other personal milestones can give team members a chance to plan for a combined gift through the organization’s rewards platform. Alternatively, sharing ecards or emoji parades can also brighten up someone’s special day and enhance a sense of belonging.
A connected work culture is essential for companies to survive in a competitive landscape. While technology has become the mainstay of the virtual office experience, it can influence culture only if it has adequate executive support and is weaved into the everyday flow of work.