“Cohesiveness is the bedrock of WFH setting” – Partho Dasgupta

The aftermath of the Covid-19 pandemic has sparked a paradigm shift in work dynamics, leading to a surge in remote work arrangements. However, amidst this transformation, some organizations continue to grapple with the challenge of replicating the sense of togetherness that is naturally nurtured through regular in-person interactions among coworkers. 

Cohesiveness, despite its complex-sounding name, is like a secret ingredient that can charge team performance, boost job satisfaction, and lead to the overall success of the organization. A cohesive team can bring about far superior results and benefit the company immensely than a team where there is incongruence. So what exactly does team cohesiveness mean?

Team cohesiveness denotes the capacity of a team to synergistically collaborate towards the attainment of a shared objective. It's like when a sports team works seamlessly together to score a winning goal. In the workplace, it means everyone is on the same page, supporting each other, and working towards shared goals. The best part? When people feel this unity, they're not just productive – they're genuinely excited and motivated to achieve targets. However, team cohesiveness is not an inherent trait and requires cultivation. 

So, how do we make a cohesive team cohesiveness, especially in a WFH setting? Partho Dasgupta, Ex-CEO of BARC India and Presently Managing Partner, Thoth Advisors shares, “Imagine it as putting together a puzzle. The first piece is clear communication – regular chats, open sharing of information, and truly listening to each other. This makes everyone feel valued and connected. Then, there's the key ingredient: shared goals and values. When everyone is working towards the same vision, it's like a symphony of teamwork!”

When we talk about the WFH situation, promoting cohesiveness within a team involves a multifaceted approach. First and foremost, fostering open communication serves as a cornerstone. Creating an environment where team members are encouraged to share their thoughts, concerns, and ideas enables swift conflict resolution and nurtures a foundation of trust. Team-building activities, in this case virtual, play a pivotal role in cultivating unity. These activities bolster team members' morale, self-esteem, and interpersonal bonds, fortifying their collective commitment to achieving shared goals.

Structuring goals in a transparent and comprehensible manner is another critical aspect. “Utilizing a goal pyramid structure that clearly defines company goals, team-specific objectives, and individual contributions ensures clarity and aligns efforts,” shares Partho Dasgupta. Such clarity not only aids in measuring progress but also keeps the larger mission at the forefront of the team's endeavors. Investing in training and development opportunities further contributes to cohesiveness. 

Empowering team members with the skills and confidence they need to excel fosters a sense of ownership and mastery. “Celebrating success as a team, rather than focusing solely on individual achievements, reinforces the notion that collective contributions drive outcomes, reinforcing a sense of camaraderie. In a work-from-home setting, these small celebrations should be given priority to bring together the team” Shares Partho Dasgupta BARC ex CEO. 

Empowering individual team members by delegating responsibilities and authority enhances their engagement and encourages collaborative decision-making. Conflicts, which are natural in any team, are seen as opportunities for growth. Resolving conflicts collaboratively not only strengthens relationships but also reinforces the team's confidence to deal with any problem that they may face in the future.

According to a study by Microsoft, implementing organization-wide remote work led to a more rigid and isolated collaboration network among employees. This shift manifested in heightened rigidity and compartmentalization within the collaboration network, resulting in a reduced number of connections in different sectors of the company. Furthermore, there was a notable reduction in synchronous communication, exemplified by a decrease in activities like video conferences. Conversely, asynchronous communication, typified by methods like email, witnessed an increase. These combined outcomes pose difficulties for employees, potentially impeding their capacity to effectively access and distribute valuable insights and information throughout the network.

In essence, the recipe for a close-knit remote team involves open communication, shared goals, a touch of virtual fun, and a dash of trust. By combining these elements, one can create a sense of unity that will have everyone saying, "We're in this together!" This isn't just about boosting job satisfaction and productivity; it's about crafting a remote work environment where everyone gives their best and thrives.