Collaboration in the workplace is more than just teamwork โ itโs about valuing employeesโ ideas, skills, experiences, and opinions to achieve common goals.
When individuals work together openly, processes become smoother, communication clearer, and goals more aligned. This leads to higher productivity and stronger company culture.Letโs dive into a true story โ โthe forgottenโ โ and explore why collaboration matters, not just between teams but across every role in a company.
Read too: The Habits Which Millionaires Have in Common
A Personal Story: Meeting โArtiโ
Two days before I officially resigned from my first job, I sat down to write my farewell e-mail. It was already 7 PM, and while my department was still bustling, I noticed a petite woman tidying up the messy workspace.
Her name (pseudonym) is Arti. She has two children aged 7 and 5, starts her day at 7 AM, and leaves at 7 PM. Despite her long hours, she never complained โ but she did share a perspective that changed how I view collaboration forever.
She mentioned that office assistants (OBs) rarely interact with employees beyond basic requests. Sometimes, employees didnโt even greet them or say โthank you.โ While she loved her work, she wished for:
-
Better appreciation โ a simple hello or smile goes a long way.
-
Improved working conditions โ either better pay or shorter hours to spend with her family.
-
Respect for their work โ employees should avoid littering and maintain a tidy workspace.
Her words struck me deeply. We often forget that they are part of the same company, contributing silently to our success.
Why Collaboration Isnโt Just About Coworkers
Collaboration is not limited to managers and direct teammates โ it includes everyone who contributes to the organizationโs success:
-
Office assistants & cleaning staff keep the workplace functional and distraction-free.
-
Cross-department teams ensure projects run smoothly and deadlines are met.
-
Remote employees & freelancers provide flexibility and expertise beyond office walls.
When we recognize and respect every contributor, we create a stronger, more empathetic company culture.
The Modern Workplace: Collaboration in a Hybrid Era
In todayโs hybrid and remote work environments, collaboration faces new challenges:
-
Communication gaps between on-site and remote employees.
-
Misalignment of schedules that can slow down decision-making.
-
Employee engagement risks when some team members feel left out.
This is where digital tools like Mekari Talenta play a crucial role. With features like real-time attendance tracking, shift scheduling, and seamless payroll integration, HR teams can keep everyone aligned and connected โ no matter where they work.
Practical Tips to Build a Collaborative Culture
Here are a few ways companies can improve collaboration at every level:
1. Recognize Every Role
Show appreciation not only for high performers but also for those in supporting roles โ security guards, cleaners, drivers โ who make daily operations possible.
2. Communicate with Respect
Simple greetings and polite requests create a friendlier environment. Encourage employees to acknowledge and appreciate each other.
3. Encourage Knowledge Sharing
Create opportunities for employees across different teams to share insights, whether via lunch-and-learn sessions or internal chat channels.
4. Use the Right Tools
Adopt HRIS platforms like Mekari Talenta to simplify collaboration by:
-
Managing schedules and shifts
-
Tracking attendance (even remotely)
-
Automating payroll and overtime calculations
-
Keeping employees connected with company updates
Key Takeaway
Collaboration isnโt just about achieving targets โ itโs about building a respectful, supportive culture where everyone, from executives to OBs, feels valued.
By embracing empathy, communicating openly, and using the right HR tools, businesses can create a workplace where no one feels forgotten โ and where collaboration drives growth.
Mekari Talenta HRIS Softwareย
Want to get other interesting articles? Get useful insights only by reading the best articles from Talenta.
As an online HRIS & payroll application, Talenta supports Indonesian businesses to survive by using automated payroll technology and cloud-based HR management. With continuous improvement, Talenta is continuously being developed to meet every need from remote and WFH situations.
The payroll process is made easier even during WFH. Talenta meets corporate needs during WFH with the latest integrated and real-time virtual presence features. Starting from managing work schedules, monitoring attendance, calculating leave and overtime to payroll.
Talenta can also be tailored to your industry, ranging from hospitality, manufacturing, retail & food services, professional services, to information technology.
Interested in trying Talenta? Fill out this form to schedule Talenta demonstrations with our sales and consult us on your HR issues!
You can also try Talenta for free now by clicking the image below.