How to build team collaboration in the workplace with Slack
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How do I increase collaboration at work?
This probably won’t come as much of a surprise, but at Signable, we’re big on technology! With a remote-first culture, and team members spread out across the country, it’s crucial we’re able to communicate effectively with each other.
Here’s where Slack comes in. The popular messaging app is a user-friendly and fun way to connect teams, stimulate communication, and collaborate in real time from anywhere.
Many companies are using Slack to build a vibrant culture and boost productivity. Here’s how to use Slack in your workplace to build strong team collaboration.
1) Build transparency across the business
One of the key aspects of effective workplace collaboration is transparency. Slack allows for the creation of various channels dedicated to different projects, teams, or topics. This means everyone can stay in the loop and have access to the information they need without having to dig through long email threads.
At Signable, we use Slack channels for everything from project updates to product management, which helps ensure that everyone is on the same page and can contribute their ideas openly. Slack also supports our flexible working policy, with the office poll a fun way to determine who’s coming into our Bristol location, allowing teams to get together face to face.
2) Get on board with emojis
Communication isn’t just about words; it’s also about tone, and love them or hate them, emojis are a great tool for expressing mood and intention. Whether you’re incredibly excited about a new project, or are offering some constructive feedback to your team, emojis help to create a light-hearted and expressive communication culture.
At Signable, we love using custom emojis and GIFs to add personality to our messages, making interactions more engaging and less prone to misunderstandings. The dancing parrot in particular, is a firm favourite!
3) Create non-work channels
Building strong team collaboration isn’t just about work; it’s also about building personal relationships. Slack allows you to create channels that aren’t work-related, which can help team members bond over shared interests.
In the Signable Slack Workspace, you’ll find channels dedicated to pets, travel, sweepstakes, music, and film – you name it, there’s a Slack channel for that! These channels provide a space for team members to share their passions and experiences, which fosters a sense of community and belonging.
4) Utilise Integrations
Slack’s power is amplified through its integrations with other tools. By connecting Slack with apps and services that your team already uses, you can streamline workflows and reduce the need to switch between different platforms.
At Signable for example, we integrate Slack with our own platform, to manage and track document signing processes seamlessly. This ensures that all team members have instant access to the status of important documents, enhancing collaboration and efficiency.
Other firm favourites include our praise platform, which allows team members to give kudos to one another, and our HR system, which efficiently lets the whole team know who’s out for the day.
5) Celebrate company culture
Celebrating milestones and achievements is an important part of building a positive workplace culture. Slack makes it easy to acknowledge new starters, employee anniversaries, birthdays, and other significant events.
At Signable, we’re big on celebrating one another’s successes, and recognising these milestones is hugely important to our culture. Slack enables the whole team to acknowledge and celebrate these achievements together, boosting morale and helping to strengthen the bonds between team members.
Slack also helps to support our dedication to employee wellbeing – a significant part of Signable’s culture. Not only do we have a specific Slack channel set up for sharing tips and advice on prioritising wellbeing, and information on how to use our monthly wellbeing allowance, but Slack’s status feature also allows our employees to express how they’re feeling on a daily basis.
Encouraging employees to make use of statuses can give them an easy way to communicate their needs, without taking a formal approach. For example, we have a dedicated “low battery” status for days when things are a little overwhelming. This allows our team to put gentle boundaries in place and prioritise their needs.
It’s no secret that collaboration in the workplace is essential for achieving business goals and fostering a productive environment. So, if you’re looking for an indispensable tool to help employees stay connected, productive, and engaged no matter where they are, Slack might be a great fit for your business.