The Crucial Role of Collaboration in Supporting Workplace Mental Health: A Path Forward

In an earlier article, I highlighted the decline in collaboration and its effects on productivity and performance. I now turn my attention to the vital role of collaboration in supporting mental health. I explore the vulnerabilities that arise from this decline and propose a path that realigns our work practices with the phases of the Collaboration Cycle.

The Importance of Collaboration for Mental Health

Collaboration isn’t just about fuelling operational objectives; it's a vital component of sustaining mental health in the workplace. Employees engaged in meaningful collaboration experience a sense of community and support. This connection combats feelings of isolation and fosters a sense of belonging, crucial for employee well-being.

Reintroducing the Collaboration Cycle

Let's re-examine the Collaboration Cycle, a framework that maps the journey from establishing connections to achieving peak performance via collective effort.

The Collaboration Cycle comprises six phases: Connection, Recognition, Alignment, Contribution, Productivity, and Performance. Each stage plays a significant role in nurturing a supportive work environment, essential for maintaining good mental health.

Fundamentally, collaboration revolves around people working in harmony. The Collaboration Cycle begins with the Connection phase. Forming bonds between colleagues relieves feelings of isolation and provides a support network crucial for mental well-being. The Recognition phase builds self-esteem and mutual respect, cornerstones for a psychologically safe workplace where employees feel secure and valued.

When employees feel aligned with their team's goals, they are more likely to find purpose in their work, which is a strong protective factor against stress and burnout. The contribution phase allows individuals to feel a sense of accomplishment and value, which is vital for a positive mental health state. Attaining Productivity through collaborative efforts helps distribute tasks more manageably, reducing excessive pressure on individuals.

Finally, Performance reflects shared achievements, reinforcing the benefits of collaboration for mental health and contributing to a fulfilling work environment.

The Impact of the Decline in Collaboration

However, with the decline of collaboration comes an increased risk to mental health. When employees are disconnected, recognition becomes scarce, and alignment within the team is lacking, individuals often bear an unequal share of the burden. This can lead to stress, anxiety, and a decline in mental health.

The lack of collaborative support can lead to a stress-filled environment, potentially resulting in burnout. Employees may feel undervalued when their contributions go unrecognised, further impacting their emotional well-being.

A Way Forward: Revitalising the Collaboration Cycle

To counter these mental health consequences, we need to strengthen the Collaboration Cycle. Here are a few suggestions:

1. Facilitate Connection: Create more opportunities for social interaction, even in virtual spaces, to combat isolation.

2. Boost Recognition: Ensure every team member's contributions are acknowledged, making them feel seen, heard and appreciated.

3. Ensure Alignment: Clearly communicate the team's goals and how each role contributes to the bigger picture, providing a sense of purpose and direction.

4. Encourage Contribution: Motivate employees to bring their unique skills and perspectives, fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace.

5. Enhance Productivity: Adopt collaborative tools and techniques for shared workloads, reducing individual stress.

6. Celebrate Performance: Take time to celebrate team wins, big or small, to reinforce the value of collaboration and boost morale.

Conclusion

It's crucial that every phase of the Collaboration Cycle supports organisational success and individual mental health. Doing so creates a more supportive, engaging, and mentally healthy workplace.

Remember, the quality of our collaborative efforts today shapes the well-being of our workforce tomorrow.

Ps. If you want a PDF copy of the Collaboration Cycle, leave a comment.

Continuing the 'Know Collaboration? Think Again' series, this article urges organisations to move past the outdated collaborative norms that are still prevalent in many organisations and to embrace the Collaboration Cycle as the foundation for a high-functioning, well-balanced workforce, primed for the future.