Building Team Culture

Builders’ Business is a column by builders for builders. Its objective is to provide a forum, particularly for small business operators, in which to share knowledge, experience, tips and ideas

Q: What do you do to strengthen team culture?

Firm: Fixation Builders
Principal: Darren Robinson
Location: Queenstown
Staff: 5

We are always keen on doing things together outside of work that everyone enjoys. Being in Queenstown gives us plenty of opportunity to do things outdoors, such as hiking, skiing, or rafting. Doing these activities together is great for building our culture and creating a tight-knit team.

We aim to employ people who share the same interests. All of us enjoy doing these things outdoors in our own time, so it provides something to talk about and puts everyone on the same page.

When we started this company four years ago, we were in a position where we had to take on anyone we could get. Fortunately, as we’ve grown, we’ve been able to be more selective.

It’s important that the people we hire can get along with others and not cause problems. We’ve created team culture guidelines that explain our values, so that everyone who comes to work for us understands what we expect and what culture we have here.

Firm: Main Frame Limited
Principal: Rick Pettit
Location: Queenstown
Staff: 10

Having the chance to sit down and catch up over a beer once a week has always been a good thing for team chemistry, as it provides time for us to relax and talk about things that might not be work-related. We can discuss world issues, sports, and anything else of interest, which helps everyone get to know each other better, but also makes the team bond over more than just work.

My guys will usually be out in teams of two or three, and although I mix and match the personnel on the teams depending on the job, having the time each week to come together and catch up helps keep us all on the same page.

The way my team of employees is constructed also helps build team chemistry. If we’re in need of more builders, I can trust one of my existing employees to recommend somebody who is  interested in joining the crew. Because I have a good group, I’m confident that they’ll bring in good people, and this has been the case so far.

Firm: SMBC Ltd
Principal: Sam Manson
Location: Christchurch
Staff: 2

I think the most important thing is communication. Creating a work environment that emphasises speaking up and not hiding what you’re thinking or what’s bothering you can help in breaking barriers in communication.

Stressing the importance of having team members ask questions is also vital. Whether it’s an experienced or inexperienced employee, if they feel like they can be open with anything, the workplace becomes much more transparent and people feel more comfortable being open with each other.

Our weekly health and safety toolbox chat always provides a good opportunity for catching up with each other while we prepare and plan for the week of work ahead. On top of this, making sure we get out and enjoy things outside of work helps build better relationships between everyone.

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