In the pandemic, many companies switched to working from home. The employees who joined during this period ended up not meeting their teammates. And for many, it meant that their colleagues were just some people on the other side of the laptop screen. With no bonding, many people felt they didn’t connect well with their own team and it led to many things being misconstrued.
Sneha, a media professional says, “I joined a new company recently, and the entire team is based out of Delhi, while I am in Mumbai. This means that there are no conversations on our WhatsApp group, and I am unable to connect with any of them. Somehow, I am finding it hard to get motivated because, for me, I am just working with a bunch of names and surnames.”
Yes, team bonding is crucial to productivity in more ways than one. Here’s why it is very important.
1) Improves communication and collaboration
When you are well-connected to your team, there is improved communication and you feel more open to bouncing ideas off in meetings. It leads to better harmony and more brainstorming sessions that can eventually generate great outcomes. Sometimes, we have a wall up and don’t warm up easily to people, until the ice is broken. Bonding with your team can help you soften with each other, let minor hiccups slide and collaborate in a more wholesome manner.
2) Improves trust
Imagine being in a relationship in which you don’t trust your partner. That would be terrible, right? If we are going to spend at least eight hours working with some people, it is essential to have trust. You should feel like they have your back, that they won’t throw you under the bus and that if you make a mistake, they won’t use it against you. On the reciprocal side, you also have to convey to the team that you are there as a backup and support system. A team that is well-bonded ensures that every person gets the support they deserve.
3) Positive work environment with less harmful competition
Did you know that just having a positive work environment can make people want to stay longer in the company? There may or may not be competition, but with a team that is good together, there won’t be unhealthy competition.
4) Stress-busting
Work can often get hectic, but what is more precious than having colleagues that can be like friends? What is more precious than having people you can share a few laughs with, take a coffee break with or simply have a conversation with, when the going gets tough?
5) Conducive to growth
Team bonding means that you have each other, as collaborators, as people who support you. It means that when you set on to work on an assignment that requires you to go way beyond what you can handle alone, you will have the support you need.