{"id":26037,"date":"2021-01-07T03:18:32","date_gmt":"2021-01-07T09:18:32","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/corevalues.com\/?p=26037"},"modified":"2021-01-07T03:18:32","modified_gmt":"2021-01-07T09:18:32","slug":"collaboration-trends-that-shape-todays-workplace","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/corevalues.com\/dev\/2021\/01\/07\/collaboration-trends-that-shape-todays-workplace\/","title":{"rendered":"Collaboration Trends That Shape Today’s Workplace"},"content":{"rendered":"
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iStock<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

There are decades where nothing happens, and there are weeks where decades happen. <\/em>If 2020 were a quote, this would be it.\u00a0 This oft-uttered quote by Vladimir Lenin would find its way to the front pages whenever rapid changes take place after a long lull.\u00a0 With this in mind and a distorted year behind us, what are the collaboration trends that shape today\u2019s workplace this year?<\/p>\n

The pandemic propelled us to perhaps decades ahead in the workplace in just weeks.\u00a0 It didn\u2019t just change the way we did huddles and meetings.\u00a0 It revamped everything \u2013 from daily office routines to communication, to interactions. It lifted many of the micro-management practices off employees and focused leaders on outcomes rather than command and control. \u00a0The effect is so huge, \u2018leaving long-lasting effects on marketing events, training, recruitment, and company culture.<\/p>\n

Some collaboration trends that shape today\u2019s workplace<\/h4>\n

Months in, here\u2019s what I\u2019ve observed.\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n

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  1. \n
    The use of digital technology was (and will continue to be) adopted at lightning speed.<\/h5>\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

    It would normally take an organization at least three months to transition to a digital platform for selected procedures.\u00a0 In the last 10 months, we saw the exponential use of video meets, messaging, and file-sharing apps, as well as robotics, artificial intelligence, and machine learning. As a trend, get your employees trained and up to speed on these technologies. If you don\u2019t have a trainer in your organization to set this up for you, hire one who can. This is an agile move with collaboration outcomes that benefits you now and in going forward.\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n

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    1. \n
      Workplace flexibility became such a huge priority<\/h5>\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

      I used to fancy a 45-minute commute.\u00a0 With the pandemic, the most we did was hop from breakfast nook to work table.\u00a0\u00a0 And if video calls weren\u2019t even scheduled for the day, we\u2019d still be in our robes and flip flops.\u00a0 But humor aside, the work from home setup has reduced red tape and bureaucracy. Ideas, comments, and suggestions would fly faster.\u00a0 We\u2019ve got less of the silo mentality (reluctance to share information with employees or co-workers from different departments of the same company) and more of the collaboration mindset.<\/p>\n

      Further, many small-to-medium-sized organizations have a heightened awareness of cost-efficiency.\u00a0 To keep needed employees employed, cost-cutting measures included ditching the physical office for a virtual one. The key is figuring out ways to replicate a \u201cwater cooler\u201d power conversation and \u201ccheck-in\u201d virtually.<\/p>\n

      Share your ideas and practices with me here<\/a> and I would be happy to quote you in a future article on virtual power conversation best practices.\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n

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      1. \n
        There has been a paradigm shift in values and work culture.<\/strong><\/h5>\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

        Though we miss the coffee break banter, the usual perks of stunning city views, free food, and Friday nights with the team don\u2019t seem as important now with the pandemic still wrecking havoc.\u00a0 What matters most is getting our priorities straight. Virtual connection is important. Plan now to improve connection with your team members and find ways to kick back together and just enjoy each other’s company.<\/p>\n

        Working from home brings with it a host of new challenges \u2013 keeping home and work separate, spending quality time with loved ones, and avoiding burnout. Sometimes all it takes is a TIGERS licensed coach<\/a> to help you establish professional boundaries and more work balance in your life.<\/p>\n

        This is why while many cities are still on lockdown (or some hybrid of it), leaders must soldier on into 2021 with training, coaching and wellness programs.<\/p>\n

        Collaboration trends that shape today\u2019s workplace going forward into 2021<\/h4>\n

        Here\u2019s what I see happening in the workplace for 2021.\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n