How do you encourage teamwork among your environmental services team?

1 Communicate clearly and frequently

Communication is the key to any successful team. As an ES leader, you need to communicate clearly and frequently with your team members about their roles, expectations, goals, feedback, and recognition. You also need to listen to their concerns, suggestions, and questions, and address them promptly and respectfully. Use various communication channels, such as meetings, emails, newsletters, memos, and posters, to keep your team informed and engaged. Make sure your communication is consistent, transparent, and respectful.

2 Provide training and support

Training and support are vital for your ES team to perform their tasks safely and effectively. You need to provide regular and updated training on cleaning and disinfection procedures, infection prevention and control practices, safety protocols, and quality standards. You also need to provide adequate resources, equipment, and supplies for your team to do their job well. Additionally, you need to offer support and guidance for your team members when they face challenges, difficulties, or errors. Help them learn from their mistakes and improve their skills and confidence.

3 Encourage collaboration and feedback

Collaboration and feedback are important for your ES team to work together and learn from each other. You need to encourage your team members to collaborate and coordinate with each other, as well as with other departments and staff, to ensure smooth and timely service delivery. You also need to encourage your team members to share their ideas, opinions, and experiences, and to give and receive constructive feedback. Create opportunities for your team to interact and exchange information, such as team huddles, brainstorming sessions, peer reviews, and mentoring programs.

4 Recognize and reward

Recognition and reward are essential for your ES team to feel valued and motivated. You need to recognize and reward your team members for their achievements, contributions, and improvements, both individually and collectively. You can use various methods to show your appreciation, such as verbal praise, thank-you notes, certificates, awards, incentives, or celebrations. Make sure your recognition and reward are timely, specific, and fair.

5 Build trust and respect

Trust and respect are the foundation of any successful team. As an ES leader, you need to build trust and respect with your team members by being honest, reliable, supportive, and accountable. You also need to foster trust and respect among your team members by promoting a culture of openness, diversity, inclusion, and professionalism. Respect your team members' opinions, preferences, strengths, and weaknesses, and encourage them to do the same for each other. Avoid favoritism, gossip, conflict, and discrimination.

6 Have fun and celebrate

Having fun and celebrating are great ways to boost your ES team's morale and cohesion. You need to create a fun and positive work environment for your team members by injecting some humor, creativity, and fun into your daily work. You can also organize some fun and social activities for your team, such as games, contests, outings, or parties. Celebrate your team's milestones, successes, and special occasions, such as birthdays, anniversaries, or holidays. Make your team feel like a family.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?