Unity in the workplace is a vital element for success, as discord and conflict can lead to lower levels of morale and productivity. When staffers can work together in a collaborative manner, it creates better workplace dynamics, encourages people to perform at top levels and creates a sense of solidarity and loyalty.
Shared Objectives
When everyone in the company works toward a common, collective goal, it creates a sense of unity. Everyone is focused on achieving the same type of objectives and has a firm understanding of the contributions their efforts have on the success of the business. This type of environment is created when management issues clear directives and defines goals. Everyone is aware of expectations and is committed to producing quality outcomes.
Sense of Equality
Colleagues work well together when a sense of fairness is in play. This results when managers create a sense of equity among employees where no single person is shown favoritism or given special treatment. If staffers feel there is an imbalance in workloads or an uneven distribution of resources, it can create discord, resentment and reduce both unity and overall productivity.
Fair Compensation
Employees feel a sense of unity with management when they believe they are fairly compensated for their efforts. Staffers who feel overworked or underpaid can become resentful and apathetic toward their employer. This lack of respect for management can decrease company loyalty and impact workplace unity. This is especially apparent if bonus structures are not equal or if earning goals and objectives are unattainable.
Employee Involvement
Staffers who are invited to be part of the corporate planning process and have a say in how work objectives are defined are more likely to feel a sense of unity. Employees who feel a sense of ownership in their work and in the success of the company are motivated to take pride in their work, work collectively and support one another in their professional endeavors.
Unity Detractors
Workplace gossip, low job satisfaction, limited resources and a lack of managerial support can all reduce unity in a workplace. Staffers who have no clear direction or feel team initiatives are undefined are likely to feel removed, rather than part of the workplace culture. Regularly soliciting employee feedback is one way to keep an eye on the status of staffer satisfaction levels.
References
Writer Bio
Lisa McQuerrey has been a business writer since 1987. In 1994, she launched a full-service marketing and communications firm. McQuerrey's work has garnered awards from the U.S. Small Business Administration, the International Association of Business Communicators and the Associated Press. She is also the author of several nonfiction trade publications, and, in 2012, had her first young-adult novel published by Glass Page Books.