Recession team tension?

By Linda King, G2G3

Take a moment and look around your place of work... do you feel bonded with your colleagues, all part of a team working towards a greater goal? Or is this economic climate making you feel nervous about your job and protective about your role ? Or does it annoy you that some of your colleagues have their heads in the sand, walking around the office, muttering “what recession?".

You’re not alone - a recent survey by BT Business revealed that workers are finding it more difficult to work as a team in this economic climate, instead concentrating on safeguarding themselves and their role. This creates an unhealthy and insular working environment, with unnecessary tension and low motivation and morale.

Whilst processes have their place, they’re not going to break down these new walls which are being created. The key to breaking down these walls is communication. People have to understand they are part of a bigger picture, and realize the contribution that they (and also others) make. Someone recently said to me that I should be worried about my job, purely because I am a Marketeer - a narrow-minded comment, which reflects this lack of 'situational awareness' I describe.

If businesses are going to get through the recession unscathed, it’s time to create a culture of ‘we’, not ‘me’. Only by doing this will people appreciate what’s truly at stake and pull together.