5 Reasons Why Collaboration in the Workplace is Important

More than another way of saying ‘working together’, collaboration in the workplace is a fundamental working style that can boost productivity, the quality of work and even employee satisfaction.

As workers return to the office, it’s a good opportunity to put the focus on how to boost collaboration in the workplace. Since the pandemic hit and the majority of businesses were forced into remote working, there has been a strong effort into collaboration, both remotely and in-person. From collaborative softwares to dynamic office layouts, there are plenty of ways to foster collaboration in the workplace, and here we’ll go through why it’s so important.

Benefits of Collaboration in the Workplace

Humans are intrinsically social animals, so collaboration and interaction are what keep us sane. Creating a collaborative environment within the workplace can include anything from open plan spaces to specific, agile working layouts.

1. Problem-solving is easier

Remember the phrase ‘two minds are better than one’? Employees who collaborate in the workplace find problem-solving far easier than those who usually work on their own, and being in a physical office only exacerbates this. When we work with others, we learn from their experience and areas of expertise, becoming more able to replicate it when working independently.

Working closely alongside your colleagues also results in employees being more creative in their solutions and delivering better quality work. As everyone bounces ideas around each other and plays on each other’s strengths, productivity can be high and solutions are reached quicker than individual working.

2. Increased innovation

Every business can benefit from greater innovation in the workplace. Whether it's finding new ways to approach old tasks or automating processes to reduce time-wasting and increase productivity, collaboration in the workplace facilitates this.

When working with others, we're forced to think about our approach from another's perspective, which can result in us being able to refine it and broaden our understanding. Increased innovation is a strong benefit of collaboration in the workplace.

3. Learning and skill sharing

Collaboration in the workplace is an opportunity to expand our skill set and learn as we work. Everyone has their own area of expertise and focus, which can be shared when collaborating on a wider project or task.

By teaching these skills to others, you upskill those around you, and your collective ability to complete work goes up a level.

4. Improved employee satisfaction

Who doesn't love a good natter with a colleague? While we're primarily focussing on the benefits of collaboration in the workplace, the social aspect of this collaborative way of working must be addressed. As explained by BetterHelp: "People who are open and freely express themselves to others tend to be happier and healthier, both mentally and physically." We're wired to thrive on social interaction, and by enabling this whenever possible, employee satisfaction should increase. Happy workers are workers who stay with a company long-term.

When working in a group, one person's success is for the whole team. If working in a group makes achieving these goals easier, whether that's because of a particular area of expertise or a reduced sense of stress, this should be encouraged. Employee satisfaction and productivity should be high on your list if you're looking for the benefits of collaboration in the workplace.

5. Team alignment

When working independently but on a wider task or project, it's easy for wires to become crossed and confusion to occur. When collaboration in the workplace is encouraged, the likelihood of this happening is considerably less as the level of communication is greater — even if the various parties each have different tasks.

While it may take time for you to master the conditions for greater levels of collaboration in the workplace, the benefits can't be disputed, especially when the data supports the importance of team alignment.

Workplace Collaboration in the Office

Collaboration in the workplace is crucial for the success of any organisation. It is the process of working together with others to achieve a common goal. Collaboration fosters a sense of community, encourages creativity and helps to solve complex problems. When employees work together, they can pool their skills and knowledge, resulting in better outcomes than when working alone.

Returning to the office can promote collaboration in the workplace in several ways. The benefits of collaboration in the workplace are numerous and include increased productivity, improved morale and enhanced job satisfaction. Organisations can then create a more supportive and dynamic working environment that drives success

Your Next Office With Knight Frank

If you want to find an office solution that works for you, your business and your employees, get in touch with the team today. Knight Frank is an expert in finding flexible office spaces at excellent rates, and at no extra cost to you.