WHEN the economy is not performing well and organisations are struggling to keep afloat, the first thing that organisations cut down on is staff development programmes. Not only is this detrimental to the employees, but to the organisation itself.
Training and development provide both the company as a whole and the individual employees with benefits that make the cost and time a worthwhile investment. One staff development programme that is neglected by many is team building.
Team building is part of a psychological discipline called organisational psychology. It inspires groups of workers to communicate through a series of planned events that are fun and motivational. (In the past few weeks, I have had the privilege of facilitating some team building programmes so I can attest to this).
The benefits of team building staff development programmes are numerous. In this article, I would like to highlight some of the benefits of team building programmes as articulated below:
Job satisfaction: Job satisfaction is an important part of a person’s employment.
Feeling worthwhile, worthy, part of a team and having a sense of achievement within the working environment are essential elements to happiness.
These feelings can motivate a workforce and ensure they are at their most productive.
Working on the premise that happy staff are productive staff, companies often find that team-building events positively affect the productivity of individuals, teams and the company as a whole.
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Enhances Communication: Most offices contain allegiances between certain groups of workmates and divisions are often clear between these groups.
During team building sessions, employees are forced to mingle and communicate with workmates who are not necessarily in their department or grade. Consequently, it helps break down communication barriers by creating a forced interaction between the established groups. Subsequently creating opportunities for networks and friendships to develop.
Makes the workplace more enjoyable: When friendships develop and employees learn how to communicate in a cordial manner it sure makes the workplace more enjoyable.
Motivational tool: After team building sessions, employees generally have renewed energy and drive. They are ready to take the organisation to another level.
Identifies and utilises the strengths of team members.
Improves team productivity.
Improves the image and reputation of an organisation: Well-trained and motivated employees will perform their jobs better and treat their clients better.
In today’s economy, it is important to adopt a learning culture If your business is not a learning organisation, it will fall behind. The fact is a business learns as its people learn.
Consequently, it is important for all progressive organisations to build a culture which gives people time to reflect, develop and share expertise. It pays off big time.
Nonto Masuku is a partner of an image and reputation management firm
