Workplace competitions can temporarily boost motivation and performance. Yet, they might reduce team cooperation. Psychologists note that people enjoy both competition and cooperation. While workplace contests can elevate morale, team competitions tend to be more effective than individual ones. Team competitions promote cooperation and teamwork. Here, we discuss the benefits of team versus individual competitions in the workplace.
What’s the Problem with Individual Competitions?
Sales offices often use competition to boost performance. However, traditional contests can backfire, promoting rivalry over teamwork and fostering a self-centred attitude. This can create tension among colleagues and decrease productivity. Employees may feel demotivated if they lag behind. Linking rewards to individual achievements can create a fear-driven environment.
Competition and Cooperation
A 2009 Psychology Today article highlighted people’s preference for cooperative competitions. Many prefer team sports over solo ones. Team sports foster cooperation against opposing teams. Similarly, team competitions in workplaces enhance motivation and productivity. They also teach efficient teamwork.
Boosting Group Productivity
To utilise competitions for the good of the workplace, it’s wise to organise group contests that boost teamwork and build morale for all participants, rather than just the top performers. For effective workplace competitions, focus on group contests rather than individual ones. They enhance teamwork and morale. Competing as a sales team, not as individuals, motivates everyone. Even lower-performing members contribute to the team’s success. In individual contests, only top performers might compete, discouraging others.
Common Pitfalls and How to Avoid Them
Ensure everyone recognises individual contributions within teams. While top performers might contribute more, acknowledge everyone’s efforts. Encourage teams to view contests as opportunities for growth. Learn from top competitors instead of feeling resentful. Treat competitions as learning experiences, regardless of the outcome.
Rewards
There are several opportunities for rewarding the winning team. To discourage a sense of resentment or hostility between groups, you may want to consider a prize structure with first, second, and third places, for example, so that teams who don’t win are still rewarded for their hard work and effort. Corporate awards, such as engraved trophies, are a great idea because they are rewarding for the winning team to receive and can be displayed in the office as a testament to the effort that was put in. The corporate awards from Joblot work perfectly as they can be personalised, adding a personal touch to the final trophy your team receive. You can also receive 1st place, 2nd place, and 3rd place trophies if you want to ensure that each team that took part feels rewarded.
Benefits for Teams
When done right, team competitions can offer numerous benefits for each team member and the team as a whole. Unlike individual teams that foster resentment, working together in groups is less likely to have detrimental effects in the workplace. While competing together, teams will need to build strong relationships with each other, improve their communication skills, and identify the strengths and weaknesses of each team member to ensure that they delegate the right tasks to the right people, thereby increasing their chances of taking home the prize. Holding team competitions will strengthen teams and enhance overall workplace performance.
When comparing team versus individual competitions, it has been shown that whether you hold team contests regularly or it’s a one-off event for your company, there are several great benefits to friendly competition.
