Strategies for Building Cohesive Teams
When Teams Do Not Work Well Together.
Many SME owners assume that because employees work in the same business, team cohesion will naturally develop. However, without deliberate effort to build strong working relationships, teams can become fragmented, unproductive, and resistant to collaboration.
Signs that a business lacks team cohesion include -
Poor communication, with misunderstandings and conflicting priorities.
Silos between departments, where teams operate independently rather than collaboratively.
Low trust, with employees hesitant to share ideas or rely on each other.
High conflict levels, where team members struggle to resolve disagreements constructively.
A lack of shared goals, with employees unclear on how their work contributes to the bigger picture.
Without intentional strategies to build cohesion, SMEs risk lower productivity, increased frustration, and a workplace culture that discourages collaboration.
The Solution – Creating a Culture of Teamwork and Connection
Team cohesion does not happen by accident—it requires consistent leadership, structured collaboration, and an environment that fosters trust. SMEs that actively build cohesive teams focus on -
Clarifying Team Goals and Shared Purpose – Ensure everyone understands how their roles contribute to business success.
Encouraging Open Communication – Create an environment where employees feel safe sharing ideas and feedback.
Building Trust Through Transparency – Leaders should be honest, consistent, and open to employee input.
Fostering a Collaborative Work Environment – Reduce silos by encouraging cross-team projects and shared problem-solving.
Providing Opportunities for Team Bonding – Invest in structured team-building activities and informal social interactions.
When team cohesion is actively developed and maintained, businesses see stronger collaboration, higher engagement, and better overall performance.
The Impact on the Business and the Owner
When teams work well together, workflows improve, engagement rises, and business performance strengthens.
Business Benefits -
Employees feel more connected, valued, and motivated.
Collaboration increases, leading to faster problem-solving and better ideas.
Productivity improves as teams communicate effectively and reduce inefficiencies.
Workplace morale rises, with less conflict and higher trust.
Customer service improves, as cohesive teams provide a seamless experience.
For SME owners, strong team cohesion leads to a more engaged workforce, reduced leadership stress, and a business that runs more smoothly.
Key Reasons to Focus on Team Cohesion
Improves Communication and Reduces Conflict – Clearer conversations lead to fewer misunderstandings and faster decisions.
Enhances Productivity – Employees work together more efficiently, reducing duplication of effort.
Increases Employee Engagement – Teams that feel connected are more motivated and committed.
Strengthens Problem-Solving and Innovation – Collaborative teams generate better ideas and solutions.
Creates a Positive Workplace Culture – A cohesive team boosts morale and makes the business more enjoyable to work in.
HR Best Practice
HR teams should develop structured strategies to build and maintain team cohesion.
Hire for Cultural Fit and Collaboration Skills – Ensure new hires align with company values and teamwork expectations.
Create Clear Communication Guidelines – Encourage open, respectful discussions across all levels of the business.
Use Team-Based Performance Metrics – Reward and recognise team success, not just individual achievements.
Invest in Leadership Development – Managers should be trained to build trust and foster collaboration.
Schedule Regular Team Check-Ins – Ensure employees have structured opportunities to share concerns and celebrate successes.
Psychological Perspective
Employees are more engaged and productive in workplaces where they feel a strong sense of belonging. Research shows that cohesive teams experience -
Higher job satisfaction, as employees feel supported by their colleagues.
Lower stress levels, with teams working together rather than in competition.
Increased creativity, as psychological safety encourages idea-sharing.
In contrast, workplaces that lack cohesion often see -
Higher employee frustration, with miscommunication and unclear expectations.
Greater workplace stress, as teams struggle with interpersonal conflict.
Lower engagement and higher turnover, as employees feel disconnected.
Practical Tips
Set Clear, Shared Goals – Ensure employees understand how their work connects to overall business objectives.
Encourage Team Collaboration – Structure projects to require cross-team cooperation.
Recognise and Reward Team Efforts – Acknowledge team achievements, not just individual contributions.
Facilitate Team-Building Activities – Provide opportunities for employees to connect outside of work tasks.
Address Conflict Proactively – Encourage open discussions and early resolution of disagreements.
The Long-Term Benefits of Strong Team Cohesion
Businesses that prioritise team cohesion gain -
Higher retention rates, as employees feel more connected to their teams.
Better adaptability, with teams handling challenges more effectively.
Stronger business performance, as collaboration reduces inefficiencies.
More innovation, with teams generating and executing ideas together.
A positive workplace reputation, making recruitment and retention easier.
Red Flags – Signs of a Disconnected Team
Employees work in silos, with little cross-team collaboration.
Workplace conflicts go unresolved, leading to tension and disengagement.
Team members hesitate to ask for help or share ideas.
Turnover is high, as employees feel isolated or unsupported.
Productivity suffers, with inefficiencies and miscommunications slowing progress.
If these issues are present, improving team cohesion should be a top priority.
Golden Nugget - "A team that works together, succeeds together. Cohesion is not automatic—it must be built with trust, communication, and shared purpose."