A major proportion of companies worldwide require their employees to work in teams to successfully complete a project. And while working in teams may sometimes result in conflicts, the benefits far exceed such problems.

Working in collaboration with other team members can help individuals improve a range of skills such as effective communication, critical thinking, problem-solving, and so on. And when teams get along well, the same reflects in the quality of their work. 

The Matrixed Approach To Working In Teams

At present, several companies around the world have adopted a matrixed approach that requires greater collaboration among the employees. In such matrix organizations, teams often report not to one, but multiple managers for different projects. This is advantageous for the organization, as it brings skilled employees from different departments together.

According to a survey by Gallup, close to 84% of the workforce in the US is matrixed. While this approach has its benefits, it can also prove to be challenging unless the organization makes some effort in team building. Letting teams spend time with each other can have a positive effect on teamwork. And no company should underestimate the importance of teamwork.

Benefits of Team Building in the Workplace:

Coordinating Activities

When teams spend time together, it helps in the build up of team spirit. And, for a matrix organization that needs different teams across departments to collaborate effectively, this may prove to be a crucial advantage. Teams can coordinate better even when reporting to different supervisors, thereby ensuring the success of the project and more profits for the organization.

Learning Where Knowledge Lies

When team members interact with each other, they tend to share suggestions, ideas, and other information freely. This not only improves internal communication but also gives the team an idea of which team member is more knowledgeable in a certain aspect. And this knowledge can come handy while the team is working together.

Responding To Change

In a matrix organization, employees need to work in multiple teams depending on the work assigned. Unless the organization promotes team building activities, it can be a real challenge to get individual employees to work efficiently in constantly changing teams. Quality time spent by the team together can help develop a feeling of unity among the employees, which would help them perform better even in challenging situations.

Create Better Teams

And last but not least, team time can help do what team managers struggle with – create better teams! Team building exercises can help build understanding among the team members. Such activities can help them identify the interests, strengths, and even weaknesses of their colleagues. As a result, the teams are bound to be stronger and able to handle work more effectively.

Conclusion

So, these were some of the benefits that an organization can get by letting their employee teams spend time together. Structured team building exercises can help create closer professional bonds between employees, enabling them to work well in collaboration with each other.