November is a season of gratitude where we take the time to pause and feel appreciative. We like to give thanks to our loved ones or for exciting milestones. In the workplace, we may reflect on our collective achievements, like hitting company growth goals or expanding the team.
In these examples, a common thread between our thankfulness in work and our personal lives is the impact of our connections with other people. A thriving community encourages us to celebrate ourselves and others who journey alongside us. Whether it’s someone’s birthday or work anniversary, it’s important to remind people how much we value them, not just for their contributions, but for who they are—and how they enrich our work culture.
According to a Conference for Women survey, respondents with a work community were 55% more engaged and 66% more likely to remain at their company. Moreover, they found themselves thriving in and out of work when they had people they could rely on.
Team building should be an active priority if leaders want to see their employees and colleagues fostering a positive organizational culture. But how?
Let's discuss a few ways to increase camaraderie and elevate your workplace.
“Teamwork makes the dream work” is a popular phrase that continues to ring true. For instance, a business may plan on releasing a new product. For the process to run seamlessly from start to finish, multiple departments—marketing, development, production, and design—have to work together to minimize potential bottlenecks and ensure a successful launch. If one team falls, others are bound to follow shortly after. If everyone meets their goals, then the entire organization succeeds.
Collaboration invites more voices to the table and helps build a stronger community at work. Encouraging everyone to add ideas to the drawing board can help leaders map out their future goals with fresher, more diverse perspectives. It also keeps more employees engaged, perhaps because it helps everyone feel a part of a bigger picture.
What better way is there to strengthen bonds than giving back to others? Community service is an excellent way to provide for others who don’t always have access to vital resources. Volunteering can look like helping out at a local food pantry or organizing a virtual fundraiser to spread awareness—as long as the team-building activities involve helping those in need, many employees may partake happily.
In fact, a 2022 PWC report reveals that 65% of workers want to work for companies “with a powerful social conscience.” When social and economic disparities run rampant, a lot of people want to make a positive difference to move the needle.
To get started, you can browse corporate volunteering platforms that provide versatile community service options. Instead of having it be a one-time opportunity, consider weaving it into your corporate responsibility strategy (CRG), making it a regular occurrence instead.
Employees know what types of team-building activities will best suit their needs. Giving them several options allows them to consider and accommodate different preferences. Some might enjoy an occasional Lunch and Learn, while others prefer more active events, like solving an escape room.
If you don’t have enough direction to suggest an activity, you can simply ask. More often than not, workers will be willing to contribute their ideas. And, when they see you implementing them, they’ll recognize that you prioritize their voices and want them to help shape your workplace culture.
As a professional platform by women, for women and allies, CCWomen takes pride in fostering an authentic community that welcomes all. Whether you need insightful team-building strategies or want to tap into a network of women in business, we’re here to support you in every stage of your career.
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