Collegiality is the glue that keeps teams together. But what does it mean exactly, and how do you ensure that colleagues not only work together, but actually work together? A lack of collegiality can lead to poorer communication, reduced productivity and even higher staff turnover. In this blog, we dive into the world of collegiality in the workplace and discuss how you can increase it, with inspiring real-life examples.

What does collegiality look like?

Collegiality goes beyond just being friendly to each other. It's about working together, supporting each other and taking responsibility for the team's success together. A collegial workplace feels safe, supportive and connecting, allowing everyone to perform better.

Why is collegiality important?

According to a Gallup study, employees are in teams with strong ties to each other. 21% more productive and they feel 87% more involved at work. Collegiality not only creates a better atmosphere, but also leads to higher performance and less stress.

Practical ways to increase collegiality
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1. Four Successes — Big or Small

Celebrating successes, no matter how small, strengthens the bond between colleagues.

Practical example:
An IT company in Amsterdam introduced a “success board” where employees shared their personal or team goals on a weekly basis. From solving a complicated bug to reaching a major customer. The HR manager noticed that appreciation for each other's work increased exponentially and that the team was working better together.

2. Encourage Informal Interaction

Collegiality doesn't just grow during meetings. Informal moments, such as coffee talks or team lunches, are essential.

Practical example:
A major logistics company started with a “coffee roulette”. Every week, random colleagues were paired up to drink coffee together for fifteen minutes. Employees indicated that this not only made them work better together, but also better understanding of each other's roles within the company.

3. Make Birthdays and Anniversaries Special

Personally acknowledging milestones, such as birthdays, strengthens the connection within teams.

Practical example:
A medium-sized marketing agency introduced Haployee to automate birthdays and work anniversaries. Colleagues were able to send personal video messages and arrange joint gifts. The result? A team that felt more valued and where congratulations became a matter of course.

4. Encourage Mutual Aid

Employees who help each other feel more connected and involved.

Practical example:
A software company introduced a “help desk hour” where employees scheduled time every Friday to ask each other questions and give tips. This created a culture where asking for help was not a weakness, but rather encouraged.

5. Be Open About Conflict

A lack of collegiality is often due to unspoken irritations. By stimulating open communication, you can prevent this.

Practical example:
A retail company implemented regular team discussions where employees were able to express concerns in a safe environment. This resulted in less frustration and a greater willingness to work together.

A critical look at collegiality

While collegiality is essential, focusing too much on it can also pose challenges. For example, when employees are too friendly and avoid feedback or problems. That's why it's important to find a balance between collegiality and a culture that focuses on honesty and constructive feedback.

How technology can help
Tools such as Haployee can play a major role in increasing collegiality. By automating and sharing special moments, such as birthdays and successes, it's easier to create a culture of appreciation and connection.

Conclusion

Collegiality is not a luxury, but an essential part of a healthy work culture. By celebrating successes, fostering informal interactions, and helping employees better understand each other, you can create a workplace where everyone feels at home and is stronger together. Get inspired by the examples above and discover how small changes can have a big impact.