Team building

We spend roughly 1,800 hours a year at work – Prosperous and happy employees are an important foundation for a good working environment. Research shows that healthy workers are more creative and innovative - which in turn affects the company's success, but also our private lives. In this article, Camilla Saarinen, organisational consultant and mental coach at Quentia, gives us some great tips on how companies can actively improve work communities.

How to improve employee relations in the workplace

- Try to meet co-workers in person on a regular basis. If this isn’t practical, be sure to make an effort to see the people on ‘the other side of the screen’ whenever possible, says Camilla.

Team building activities outside of work have a proven community-enhancing effect and there are many different problem-solving and team building activities that can promote cohesion. But be aware that there are those who prefer not to socialize outside of work.
– For those who prefer not to attend events such as these, it can be rather stressful. Try to be sensitive to everyone's wishes, says Camilla.

Avoid talking about work at break times

Don’t forget that you can help to improve work morale during the working day, at times such as during a meeting or when you’re on a break. Putting aside time for a social coffee break can do a lot for team spirit. During a coffee break you will be more relaxed with the people around you and the great thing is we usually think more freely and creatively at these times, so this is when good ideas are born!

But Camilla recommends skipping the ‘work chat’. – We need a boost and to disconnect from our work when we take a break, says Camilla.

Being sensitive and curious makes us better listeners

A good working community is not simply achieved by going out and having fun together. Our approach and how we behave on a day to day basis also plays a major role.
– Be curious about your colleagues. Do not assume that you always know the whole story and don’t be afraid to let your guard down, says Camilla.

When we are curious about our colleagues, we listen better, but when we think we already have the answers to all the questions we stop listening. Remember that you do not always need to be the one that resolves everything, and dare to have days where everything does not work out exactly as you would like. This makes you open up to your colleagues in a more honest way!