Fostering Unity At The Workplace
The dynamics of unity at any workplace must always be accorded the right level of attention to avoid being eroded as it is a vital element for organisational success. Research proves that diascord, conflicts, undue aggression, and peer- toxicity of all sorts have been part of the most identified factors limiting morale and productivity in the workplace. When employees align and collaborate actively, it prompts focused effort and a sense of inclusion which in turn creates a vibrant work environment for top-level performances of those who are progressive and loyal to that business.
An organisation usually comprises four generations of workers; Gen X, Baby boomers, Millenials, and the GenZ, each category comes with its peculiarities, excesses, concerns, motivation, and drive. Hence understanding people become mandatory for anyone who intends to maintain peace, productivity and a good working relationship with colleagues.
Most mature workers want fewer dictates and more requests for advice and guidance. This means the management or team lead trusts their level of experience in making a good and quality judgment. Boomers are good team players and appreciate short communications on how they can add value to the team. Millennials will seek advice and will want frequent updates and remarks on their performance while Gen Z’s want less information and require an explanation on why a thing needs to be done that way. They are more advanced and appreciate a digitalised way of disseminating information and do not appreciate manual processes.
Despite the disparity in their values, principles, and approach to work, most times, these varied groups have to work together as a unit in achieving a common goal within an organisation. Managers and business executives must be proactive in calling out team expectations to enforce and buttress the need for standard performance. Also, developing a listening ear and ensuring potential conflicts are tackled promptly while sustaining an atmosphere that fosters workplace unity is needed in ensuring optimal service offering and great results.
After a survey carried out by business analysts and HR experts at Biz Group, it was discovered that 86% of employees and executives cite lack of collaboration or ineffective communication for workplace failure, while workplace collaborations can increase successful innovation by 15%. Sadly, 27% of employees who plan to leave any workplace within the first year claim it is due to feeling disconnected in the workplace. Forbes also points out that employees who acted collaboratively stuck at their task 64% longer than their solitary peers, whilst also reporting higher engagement levels, lower fatigue levels, and higher success rate. Some ways an organisation can boost unity in the workplace include:
Simplification of objectives: Once your vision and objective as a company are properly spelt out, it helps to unify employees and ensure they align with the company’s agenda. Managers and business executives can be creative in telling their vision with stories to enable employees to relate and remember the goal. Once your vision is properly communicated employees tend to become committed to the goals and objectives of any organisation and this can help to unify purpose.
Team Bonding is another major way to foster unity in the workplace. This axiom may seem intuitive but it takes time and effort in ensuring everyone in the team is in good synergy. Businesses can start by recruiting individuals with a level of success in similar roles at other companies in ensuring professionalism. Team members can go out together, have meals and just get to know each other as a team. These acts have proven to enhance productivity.
Clarity of Roles is another important factor. Each member of a team should have a definite role and responsibility. Without clarity of roles team members are bound to interfere with other persons’ work and this can be a major reason for ruckus in an organisation. Someone who is employed to manage production should not concentrate his effort on sales. As a business owner, your job is not to do everything, but to trust members of staff to carry out their respective duties effectively.
Finally, incentives should be encouraged as they can boost unity while lack of it discourages cohesion and unity. Managers should not concentrate on the reward system on an individual basis because people will focus energy on themselves, but when the reward is based on team performance and team members are rewarded equally, it will encourage unity. Bonuses should not be given on individual effort either, rather the performance of the group as a unit.
Fostering Workplace unity is about a well thought out series of deliberate steps taken or encouraged internally, as a means to deliver the best outcomes for both the employees and business
