Building a strong team culture is essential for any organization looking to thrive in this dynamic work environment. Leading companies like our featured Great Places to Work have each developed unique strategies to foster collaboration, trust and inclusion within their teams. These organizations demonstrate how intentional efforts can create a positive, engaged workplace. Here are 10 practical tips drawn from their experiences to help build and promote a vibrant team culture that empowers employees and drives success.
From MAX Credit Union:
- Prioritize clear communication and shared values
Open communication builds trust and keeps everyone aligned. When teams understand expectations and operate from shared values, collaboration becomes smoother and more effective.
- Encourage collaboration and celebrate achievements
Working together builds stronger connections and sparks creativity. Recognizing team wins boosts morale and reinforces a positive, supportive culture.
From Warren Averett:
- Teach, model and support respect in the workplace
Respect is cultivated through dedicated training and relationship-building opportunities. Encouraging strong connections fosters a supportive environment where everyone can thrive.
- Offer flexibility along with the right tools and resources
Flexibility, combined with access to great tools and opportunities, empowers individuals to succeed both personally and professionally. This approach encourages team members to pursue growth areas of interest, enhancing job satisfaction and overall performance.
From Jackson Thornton:
- Ensure everyone has a voice
All team members, regardless of tenure, are encouraged to share ideas and learn from one another. Welcoming diverse perspectives strengthens collaboration and promotes a culture of inclusion.
- Provide mentorship and peer support
Programs like “Young Professionals” groups and “Allies” initiatives offer guidance, networking and support across all career stages. These connections help team members grow personally and professionally.
- Create a culture of openness and care
A true open-door policy builds trust and approachability at all levels. When people feel heard and supported—especially during challenges—it creates a stronger, more unified workplace.
From Auburn University at Montgomery:
- Celebrate unique perspectives, backgrounds and experiences
Fostering an inclusive environment where differences are embraced leads to stronger collaboration, greater creativity and a sense of belonging across the team. This mindset builds a culture of mutual respect and continuous growth.
From DAS North America:
- Organize and prioritize in-person team-building activities
Regular in-person activities help build trust and improve collaboration. Encouraging a culture of feedback and support alongside these efforts leads to stronger team cohesion, higher morale and a more innovative, productive work environment.
From Poarch Creek Indians:
- Promote fairness and inclusion
Emphasizing fairness and inclusion alongside open communication promotes employee development and collaboration across departments. These practices strengthen retention, boost morale and build a values-driven environment that supports both individual growth and organizational success.
TEAM BUILDING ACTIVITIES
Here are five effective hybrid or in-office team-building activities that promote collaboration, communication and morale without feeling forced:
- OFFICE TRIVIA
Create trivia questions about team members, company history or shared experiences. Use tools like Kahoot! or QuizBreaker.
Why it works: Helps team members learn fun facts about each other and the company.
- LUNCH AND LEARN
Team members take turns presenting on a topic— personal or professional—over lunch.
Why it works: Promotes knowledge sharing and builds appreciation for different roles or interests.
- VOLUNTEER AS A TEAM
Partner with a local charity or community group and spend a few hours volunteering together.
Why it works: Fosters a sense of purpose and connection beyond the workplace.
- COFFEE ROULETTE
Randomly pair team members for short 15-minute virtual or in- person coffee chats each week.
Why it works: Encourages cross-team bonding.
- HYBRID INNOVATION DAY
Mixed teams of remote and in-person participants work together to solve a challenge or prototype a new idea.
Why it works: Inspires creativity and cross-functional collaboration with a shared goal.
