6 Tips to Cultivate Teamwork at Work

Why is teamwork vital in the workplace? Well, teamwork can lead to multiple benefits including greater efficiency, workforce productivity, increased innovation, higher employee morale, and improved retention.

Given that some or most of the staff are working remotely, fostering teamwork in the workplace is not easy. This article offers suggestions for cultivating teamwork both in virtual and physical settings.

#1: SET CLEAR GOALS

Describe what each employee is supposed to accomplish and not how they should accomplish it. Explain the expectations in terms of the outcomes and elaborate the team’s goals. How each employee meets these expectations will vary. You need to trust them.

#2: ENCOURAGE GIVING SUPPORT

Cultivating an environment were asking for help is not a sign of weakness. Getting the work done requires time and focus. When you need inspiration or support, ask for it. People who are experts on the field can teach you new ways to solve the issue at hand.

#3: DIVIDE THE LOAD

Teamwork does not mean everyone does one task together. It requires breaking each component into parts. Then, the team sorts out who will do each part according to availability and expertise. A credible project manager will help with the organization of these parts.

#4: CREATE A REVIEW PROCESS

Review meetings enable the team to be on the same page. It gives each team member the chance to politely critique the team’s work. Encourage the employees to question the project from different angles. Often, you will catch things that would otherwise get missed.

#5: CELEBRATE WINS TOGETHER

Appreciate the challenging work of each team member. Take time to extend your gratitude for the specific contributions to the team. Celebrate your wins together as you achieve a milestone towards your goal.

#6: HIGHLIGHT THE BENEFITS OF COLLABORATION

Teamwork does not only benefit the organization, but it can also boost camaraderie and increase job satisfaction. Working in teams provides employees more opportunities to unleash their creative ideas. Having a sense of belonging sure helps in reducing stress too. The dynamics and strength of your team directly affect business outcomes.

Sources: 1 & 2

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7 Ways to Take Care of Your Mental Health at Work

The pandemic and its aftereffects have taken a toll on people’s mental health. Singaporeans from all walks of life have experienced stress throughout the pandemic – from frontline workers to family members who were separated from each other. Those who were infected by virus or those who grieved the loss of their loved one face difficulties in their physical and mental health.

The workplace has restructured. Whichever industry you work for, you have the power to look after your mental health and overall well-being. Start with these tips.

#1: TALK TO SOMEONE YOU TRUST

Whether you find comfort in sharing your situation to a co-worker, a friend, or a family member, talking to someone you trust can help. You may feel better if you are able to openly talk about what you are going through at work. Someone who cares about you can provide you with a fresh perspective or help you arrive at a solution. If you feel more comfortable in meeting your confidant in person, please follow the safety precautions. Nonetheless, you can always stay connected with your trusted confidant through video calls or messaging apps.

#2: MONITOR YOUR PHYSICAL HEALTH

Focus and concentration at work can be achieved when you take care of your physical health. Moreover, eating a healthy diet and strengthening your physical health can improve your mental well-being. Experts suggest exercising at least 30 minutes daily. Try dancing, running, cycling, practicing yoga, skating, and so on.

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#3: MOVE AWAY FROM HARMFUL SUBSTANCES

If you are overwhelmed with the stack of deadlines and the long demands of irate clients, you may opt for taking substances such as alcohol or nicotine. For a short while, these substances may help you feel better. However, depending on these substances to cope with stress can harm you eventually. These substances can put you or those around you at risk of diseases or injuries.

#4: TAKE 2 MINUTES TO FOCUS ON THE PRESENT

Stop a whirlwind of thoughts by reconnecting yourself to the present moment. Follow along the video below and take slow (relaxing) deep breaths. Give yourself these two minutes of peace as you put your feet on the ground and sit comfortably in your chair. May this video help you to tackle the day ahead!

#5: LEARN TO SAY NO

Take care of yourself! It is important to know how much work you can take on so that you do not exhaust yourself. Of course, it is natural to have the desire to impress your boss or co-workers by performing well. Sometimes, you can only be at your best when you do not divide your attention to many tasks.

Only you will know when “possible” turns into “impossible”. A key skill you need to learn in the workplace is learning to say “no”.

#6: CREATE HEALTHY BOUNDARIES

I must admit! It is hard to ignore the popping work notifications. With the advancement of technology, we became reachable 24/7. To protect yourself from exhaustion, you can set boundaries early on. Leave your work on time and maximize your tasks in the workplace. Try to resist checking or responding to work emails and messages after your work hours or before going to sleep.

#7: ASK FOR HELP

For many people, work can have a positive impact on our health and overall well-being. Businesses simply operate better when the employees are physically and mentally healthy. So, it is worth asking your manager how he or she can help you perform well in the team. See if you can work together to adjust your working conditions to make sure everyone feels comfortable at work.

Sources: 1, 2, & 3

 

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When is a Good Time to Switch Jobs?

Whether you admit it or not, we crave job security. Holding on to a job for several years is one way to attain this. However, there is less financial security in long-term employment.

You can get better by opening your doors to bigger opportunities. The longer you spend time locked up in any organization, the softer your muscles become. You can become complacent and comfortable.

When is it a suitable time to switch jobs?

#1: You became apathetic.

Feeling increasingly disconnected from your primary reasons for entering the field can affect your mental health. Notice if you are underperforming and skipping deadlines. What is going on?

If you cannot remember the last time you felt energized by a new project, it might be time to reassess your role.

#2: You do not feel like you are making an impact.

Your responsibilities and duties remain the same. Every day looks and feels identical. Therefore, you feel undervalued as you run on autopilot.

Image Credits: pixabay.com

It is time for you to find a new role that plays to your strengths and provides you opportunities to develop new ones.

#3: You dread going to the office.

If you dread going to work most days or feel anxious about interacting with the boss, you feel dissatisfied with your current roles.

It is time to think about other areas that will align with your passions. Search for new jobs in job portals such as LinkedIn.

#4: Your job is affecting your personal life.

Work should be challenging, but not crippling. If you are chronically exhausted and experience physical and mental tolls, it is your body’s way of telling you something is wrong.

Being stressed can affect your relationships with the people who matter the most. If your work is turning you unhappy and irritable, start to explore activities that will make you feel boosted again.

#5: You feel that your salary is not enough.

No matter how good the pay may be, you still feel that money is not enough. At some point, you will find yourself watching time pass by during meetings.

Image Credits: pixabay.com

Constant dissatisfaction and mindlessness can make you feel like you are wasting your potential. This is a clear sign that you need to embrace change!

Source: 1

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How to Politely Get Out of a Meeting

From the moment you receive an invitation, you can already predict whether the meeting will be unproductive or not. How can you decline politely?

A meeting will take more than an hour of your time, so you can see if the other party would be willing to update you over email or short phone call.

Sometimes, even well-meaning people forget that time is not infinite. A straightforward query or reminder can help. Here are other strategies that you can apply.

#1: PRIORITIZE IMPORTANT MEETINGS

Not all meetings are created equal. Just because you have been invited to one does not mean that it is essential. Start by examining which meetings are important to attend and which are not.

The most essential meetings are the ones in which decisions will be made. If your team is choosing to launch a project, you cannot make the decision over email. Meetings that will need brainstorming or sharing of opinions should be done in person or through a teleconference.

You must also attend strategic meetings, which allows you to develop a unified vision of where your organization is headed.

#2: ASK ESSENTIAL QUESTIONS

Make it challenging for the other party by asking the following questions upon receiving an invitation:

1. What is the exact topic?
2. What is the meeting’s duration?
3. What is the time and location?
4. Who will be in attendance?
5. What decision needs to be made at the meeting?
6. Why is my attendance crucial there?

Image Credits: pixabay.com

#3: ENCOURAGE MEETING NOTES

Many organizations have staff meetings for information sharing. These meetings involve listening and learning about the current plans and events affecting the team. You may not have a crucial role in this meeting, but you need to stay informed.

Bring up the idea of having someone keep meeting notes during the session, so people who will not able to attend can have access to the information that was shared. Read the meeting notes instead.

#4: EXIT GRACEFULLY

If the meeting no longer pertains to you, politely ask if you can step out. It is alright to request to leave early, especially if you are busy. Message the meeting organizer to explain that you are trying to manage your time and prioritize tasks.

Meetings take up an average of 62 hours per month of employees’ time. Many professionals attempt to cope in a passive-aggressive way by showing up late to meetings or by fiddling with their gadgets.

Image Credits: pixabay.com

The strategies above provide a better way to politely get out of meetings to protect your time.

Sources: 1 & 2

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6 Essential Questions to Ask on Your First Day of Remote Work

Beginning your journey as a remote worker or working from home can be challenging. As you enter an uncharted territory, you probably have a set of questions to ask your new employer.

We have all been there before! You want to understand how the company operates to contribute a good output or to impress your new boss. Organize your thoughts and help set the expectations by asking these essential questions to your employer or hiring manager.

#1: WHICH FOLDERS OR FILES SHOULD I HAVE ACCESS TO?

Usually, remote companies have a shared bank of files and templates that you can assess. Review these documents and pay attention to the templates that you must use for your new position. Locating these files will save you hours of digging.

#2: WHAT ARE MY PRIORITIES FOR THE DAY?

It is easier to transition into a new position when you have a clear idea of what your essential daily tasks are. The sooner you ask, the more productive you can be. You can begin to have a better grasp of what management sees as your role by asking this question.

#3: HOW CAN I SHARE MY THOUGHTS OR IDEAS?

Do you believe that you are an asset to the company? Asking this question shows how eager you are to contribute to the workplace. As a new employee, you provide a fresh perspective. However, it can be challenging to share your thoughts. Since everything is digital nowadays, some managers may prefer to receive a private email or a group discussion through video conferencing apps. Ask your hiring manager or employer about this.

Image Credits: pixabay.com

#4: WHO DO I REPORT TO ON A DAY-TO-DAY BASIS?

It is harder to see the department divisions in the remote environment. As you are working from home, you may answer multiple people. Ask your hiring manager or employer who you will report to daily. This will prevent others from assuming that you are working with them exclusively.

#5: WHICH MEETINGS SHOULD YOU PUT ON YOUR CALENDAR?

Whether you are using Google Calendar or Calendly to organize your appointments, it is essential to know which meetings you should put on your calendar. Educate yourself about the company’s meeting procedures. Do you meet online on a monthly, bi-monthly, or weekly basis?

#6: WHAT IS THE USUAL PROCESS FOR THIS TASK?

Every team accomplishes things in their own way. Showing that you are open to learning from them can help you change your mindset earlier on. Find out how you can work efficiently to contribute to the company’s processes and systems.

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