In facilities management, success goes beyond just processes and technology. It depends on the strength of the teams that handle the maintenance and management of our day-to-day operations. A crucial factor in this equation is team culture—the way teams work together and share common values.

By focusing on team culture, facilities management leaders can bring out the best in their teams. This creates an environment of unity, purpose, and positivity, leading to better performance. Let’s explore the importance of building a strong team culture in facilities management and how it drives success in a competitive industry.

A strong team culture lies at the heart of creating high-performing teams.

The Importance of Team Culture

Team culture serves as the foundation for a motivated workforce. In the facilities management and industrial cleaning industry, a strong team culture fosters collaboration, unity, and a shared sense of purpose among employees. It enhances job satisfaction, boosts morale, and empowers employees to take ownership of their responsibilities.

Research conducted by the Queens School of Business and the Gallup Organization reveals that employees who are disengaged demonstrate:

37% increase in absenteeism
49% increase in accident rates
60% increase in errors and defects

Characteristics of a Team-Oriented Workplace

A team-oriented workplace is characterized by numerous attributes that promote collaboration, communication, and a shared sense of purpose. These characteristics include:

Open Communication: A team-oriented workplace encourages open and honest communication among team members. Employees are encouraged to express their ideas, concerns, and suggestions, fostering a culture of trust and respect.
Collaboration: Effective teamwork thrives on collaboration. A team-oriented workplace promotes a collaborative environment where employees work together, leveraging each other’s strengths to achieve shared goals.
Support and Empowerment: Team members support and empower each other. Mutual encouragement and recognition foster a sense of belonging and motivate individuals to excel in their roles.
Clear Goals and Roles: Team-oriented workplaces establish clear goals and define individual roles within the team. Each team member understands their responsibilities, which promotes accountability and ensures efficient task execution.
Learning and Development: Encouraging continuous learning and professional development enhances team members’ skills and knowledge, fostering personal growth and strengthening the team and organization as a whole.

Challenges of Culture Building

Building a strong team culture in facilities management can present some challenges. These include resistance to change, communication gaps, diverse backgrounds and experiences, and the potential for conflicts. Overcoming these challenges requires consistent effort, effective communication, and strong leadership.

Effective Strategies for Building Team-Oriented Workplaces

Building a team-oriented workplace in facilities management requires a deliberate and systematic approach. Some key steps to consider include:

Foster Effective Communication: Encourage open and transparent communication channels within the organization. Establish regular team meetings, both formal and informal, to facilitate effective communication and information sharing. Implement tools and platforms for team members to collaborate, exchange ideas, and provide feedback.

Build Trust and Mutual Respect: Trust is the foundation of any successful team. Promote a culture of trust and mutual respect by encouraging teamwork, active listening, and valuing diverse perspectives. Establish a supportive and non-judgmental environment where everyone’s contributions are recognized and appreciated.

Define Roles and Responsibilities: Clearly define roles and responsibilities for each team member in the facilities management department. Ensure that everyone understands their specific areas of expertise and how their roles contribute to the overall success of the team. This clarity promotes accountability and helps avoid duplication or gaps in responsibilities.

Encourage Collaboration: Facilitate collaboration among team members by creating opportunities for them to work together on projects, share best practices, and learn from one another. Encourage cross-functional teams and promote a culture of continuous learning and professional development.

Lead by Example: Leaders play a crucial role in shaping the team-oriented culture. Lead by example by demonstrating the desired behaviours, such as collaboration, respect, and effective communication. Be approachable, provide support and guidance, and actively promote teamwork among team members.

Recognize and Reward Achievements: Acknowledge and celebrate the accomplishments of individuals and the team as a whole. Recognize outstanding performance and contributions publicly to motivate and inspire others. Establish reward systems that incentivize teamwork, collaboration, and achieving shared goals.

By following these steps, facilities management and industrial cleaning organizations can cultivate workplaces that foster collaboration, communication, and collective success. This supportive culture not only enhances employee engagement and satisfaction but also improves overall operational efficiency and performance.

The Importance of Leadership

Leadership plays a pivotal role in cultivating and sustaining a positive team culture. Effective leaders set the tone for collaboration, establish clear expectations, and promote open communication. They lead by example, inspire trust, and empower team members to take ownership of their work. By providing guidance and support, leaders create an environment where employees feel valued, motivated, and united.

The Benefits of a Strong Team Culture

Enhanced Efficiency and Productivity: A strong team culture significantly improves efficiency and productivity in the facilities management industry. When employees feel connected and valued, they are more likely to be engaged and committed to their work. Collaboration and effective communication streamline processes, reduce errors, and enhance problem-solving capabilities. Team members are more willing to go the extra mile to meet client expectations and deliver high-quality results.

Increased job satisfaction and engagement: Working in a team-oriented environment can boost employee job satisfaction and engagement. This can contribute to improved morale, employee retention and high-performing teams.

Professional growth and development: In team-oriented workplaces, employees have opportunities to expand their skills and knowledge. Working closely with colleagues exposes individuals to different perspectives and expertise, allowing them to learn new approaches and techniques.

Organizations with low employee engagement experience 18% lower productivity and 16% lower profitability than highly engaged organizations.

How TEAM Group Fosters Team Culture

Strong leadership: Effective leaders play a crucial role in shaping team culture and fostering positive relationships at TEAM. They set the tone for teamwork, encourage open communication, provide support and guidance, and promote a collaborative and inclusive work environment.

Recognition: Recognizing and appreciating employees’ efforts and achievements is very important at TEAM Group. We make sure we are always acknowledging outstanding performance, teamwork, and contributions.

Continuous learning and development: TEAM Group invests in the growth and development of our employees. We provide opportunities for training, workshops, and skill-building programs to enhance individual capabilities.

Customer-centric approach: Building lasting relationships with customers requires a customer-centric mindset. By prioritizing team culture, we are able to provide our customers with exceptional service and build long-term partnerships.

Feedback and improvement: TEAM Group actively seeks and implements feedback to demonstrate a commitment to employee engagement and growth.

In the facilities management industry, a strong team culture and a team-oriented workplace are essential for success. By promoting collaboration, open communication, and mutual support, organizations in this industry can create a positive work environment where employees thrive. Effective leadership and a commitment to building a strong culture are key to overcoming challenges and achieving sustained growth.