COVID-19 brought unexpected change to the workforce. Positions were eliminated, employees were furloughed, and teams were divided. With heightened levels of isolation and uncertainty, co-workers have struggled to effectively collaborate. But as the nation begins to re-open, teamwork will be more essential than ever.
It is in the little things.
After being stuck inside their homes for an unprecedented amount of time, co-workers may feel a little awkward socializing in-person again. This is especially true with the new social distancing policies in place and the constant underlying worry of contracting coronavirus.
Effective teamwork is built on trust and unhindered communication. So, in order to work together, co-workers must rebuild the camaraderie they had before lockdown. This can be done by organized team-building activities or simply creating opportunities where co-workers can interact in a casual setting, whether in-person or virtually.
Casual interactions can go a long way in developing genuine relationships in the work environment. Opportunities to interact casually are especially important for new co-workers to assimilate into developed teams. New team members may feel excluded or undervalued when entering a team that has history together. Casual social interation allows everyone to communicate openly without any type of restricting hierarchy or ‘us versus them’ mentality.
Working in teams will also benefit the emotional wellbeing of workers. Humans need to feel as though they belong, that they have purpose, and that they are making an impact in this world. During this time of encouraged isolation, loneliness is at an all-time high. People are suffering from increased levels of anxiety and depression. They need to feel supported possibly now more than ever before in their careers.
It is important to keep in mind that everyone deals with stress in different ways. And many challenges people are facing are kept unsaid. So, it is important to be patient and empathetic when trying to work in teams.
Managers are vital team members.
Managers play a key role in defining a team’s structure and creating a shared mindset. Many teams will need to be redefined as things begin to settle into a new normal. Teams may have become smaller, introduced new members, or have been forced to communicate in new ways. Workers who are unsure about their roles within teams may feel disconnected. They may struggle to hold themselves and their co-workers fully accountable to completing projects.
While leaders within groups may have circumstantially emerged, managers must use their voices to officiate group norms. Acceptable and unacceptable behavior should be put forth by managers in a plain and clear manner. That way all team members, new and old, will know how and when they can share their ideas and voice their concerns.
Managers are also responsible for creating a shared mindset among team members. Some workers have been so worried about the security of their jobs, they may have lost focus of the bigger picture of contributing to the organization.
