Who doesn’t want a team that is motivated, enjoys working together, and are good communicators? We probably all know what it’s like to work for a company that lacks team unity, and the results usually aren’t pretty.

On the flip side, it can be a joy to work as part of a team that is unified around a common goal and knows how to work together to reach that goal. But that kind of team unity doesn’t just happen by accident; it’s the result of leaders who intentionally create a culture of unity in their businesses.

Here are just 5 ways that you as the leader of your team can promote unity and the team spirit that will help your small business succeed:

1. Share Accomplishments

It can be so easy to focus only on the ways our employees need to improve and forget to celebrate all the ways they are doing an awesome job. Talking about your employees’ accomplishments and milestones is a great way to let them know that you see and appreciate them, and it encourages them to congratulate each other as well.

Did your team receive an outstanding Google review? Share that with them and thank them for their good work! Maybe one of your employees reached their 5 year anniversary with your company. Celebrate it and let him know that you appreciate his dedication over the last 5 years. Even celebrating birthdays and other life milestones will model the encouraging atmosphere that you want your employees to emulate.

2. Share a Meal

There’s just something about good food that can break down barriers that can sometimes unintentionally exist in our teams. When people eat together, they can relax and enjoy spending time together without thinking about the pressures of work.

The personal relationships that can develop over a good meal will serve your team well as they connect on an emotional level. This is especially helpful if you have new employees who need to be brought into the group and reassured that they are wanted and needed.

3. Take and Educational Trip

Your employees want to know that their time isn’t wasted, so creating unity-building trips that are also educational is a great way to create a rewarding experience for your employees.

Take a trip to a local museum, or take a tour of a local factory. There are multiple possibilities for educational trips that everyone on your team could enjoy.

4. Volunteer in the Community

Nothing builds team unity quite like getting behind a common goal, especially when that goal will build up your local community. The options are almost endless for ways that your team can volunteer for the good of your community.

Just a few examples could be assembling care packages for families in need, sponsoring a local youth sports team, or sharing your expertise. You can use a website like VolunteerMatch to find specific opportunities for volunteering in your community.

5. Have Fun

Don’t forget to enjoy being with your team! Find ways to make work fun, and even plan fun outings like bowling, rock climbing, or going to the zoo. There are so many possibilities for ways to build up your team by simply having a good time together.

There you have it: 5 practical ways you can build unity with your team. The benefits are endless and the process can be fun, so enjoy getting to know your team on a personal level!

But what if you simply don’t have the time to invest in your team because you’re so bogged down by payroll paperwork and balancing your books? We can help with that! Our accounting and payroll experts would love the chance to help you focus on running your business and investing in your team. Contact us today to receive your first month of services free!