Why Teamwork Needs an Office Environment to Thrive

Remote working may have become the new normal. Still, research proves that teamwork is crucial to business success. Many business leaders, too, concur that virtual collaboration is no match for physically working side by side. Here we look at how actually 'being there' makes all the difference when it comes to teamwork and productivity. We'll also explore how when looking for office space to let Croydon makes an excellent choice.

Teamwork is crucial to the success of any business. Over the past few years, some of the world's most successful organisations have championed the use of open office layouts and invested hugely in promoting team productivity.

A variety of research confirms that when people work together, it can release energy that boosts creativity and enhances productivity, communication, engagement and efficiency. Sharing the load also makes a difference, with team members providing emotional support from an understanding viewpoint.

In a team environment, staff members get to divide challenging tasks into bite-size ones, then work together to get them done quicker. This approach leads to improved productivity which reduces costs and boosts profits.

Working alone means that no one is responsible for ineffective working methods other than the person itself. But when people come together, they share that responsibility. They motivate each other to perform. What's more, innovation starts to happen. With multiple perspectives and a range of skills and experience combined, effective solutions are born.

Collaboration fosters strong working relationships

In a team environment, people learn from each other. Collaboration boosts individual performance through learning from each other's strengths. This method results in strong working relationships that inspire friendship and trust, which promotes excellent communication and support. All of this leads to success for an organisation.

Teamwork, therefore, is essential, but can it survive without physically bringing people together? If a group of people doesn't ever get to see each other, how can a team culture develop? How will they bond or form social connections? Share ideas?

Remote working has, of course, become vitally important over the past few months. Without it, many businesses would have come to a complete standstill. Customer service functions would have ground to a halt. Even outside of a pandemic situation, remote working can be a godsend for many where circumstances such as family responsibilities temporarily make it impossible to get into the office. Flexibility is essential to some degree. Yet, ongoing remote working doesn't necessarily mean good productivity.

Being in the office promotes a solid team foundation, something technology just can't replace

In an interview for the New York Times, Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella warned not to 'over-celebrate' any perceived productivity gains from remote work.

"What I miss is when you walk into a physical meeting, you are talking to the person that is next to you, you're able to connect with them for the two minutes before and after.

"One of the things I feel is, hey, maybe we are burning some of the social capital we built up in this phase where we are all working remote. What's the measure for that?"

Over the past ten years, notable commercial players such as Yahoo and IBM have overturned their working from home policies in an attempt to draw people back into the office. They realised that the cost of keeping staff away from each other far exceeded the savings on rent and utilities. People need human contact to get things done: real, face-to-face communication rather than virtual connection.

Physical presence is vital. Being in the office promotes a solid team foundation, something that technology can't replace.

For office space to let Croydon makes the ultimate choice

For any business that appreciates the importance of teamwork, and that is considering renting office space in the London area, Croydon makes an excellent choice. With considerable investment in the local transport network, the London Borough of Culture 2023 award and the fact that Croydon is one of the capital’s fastest-growing economies, it is clear to see why this part of London does have much going for it.

Corinthian House, one of Croydon's most sought-after places to rent office space

Corinthian House is an iconic building situated in the centre of Croydon. It is well-served by public transport and offering excellent car parking facilities. It also sports showers and locker rooms for those who prefer to cycle into work.

The set-up at Corinthian House promotes teamwork, with meeting rooms, communal kitchens and open plan working all featuring. For office space to let Croydon is a fantastic place to be, and Corinthian House does put you right in the heart of it. To discover more, you are welcome to get in touch with our knowledgeable team.