How Changes at Workleap Helped Improve Teamwork: A New Collaboration Between IT and HR
In today’s fast-paced business environment, entrepreneurs and small business owners are always looking for innovative ways to boost efficiency and teamwork. One intriguing initiative comes from a software company called Workleap. They decided to make a change that might seem unusual at first but is already showing promising results: they had their IT team report to the Human Resources (HR) department. Let’s dive into why this decision was made and how it has transformed their workplace dynamics.
Understanding the Shift: Why IT and HR Work Together Now
The change at Workleap was spearheaded by Cyril Boisard, their director of people. His vision was simple: both the IT and HR departments play critical roles in enhancing the daily experiences of employees. While IT focuses on solving technology issues, HR deals with hiring, employee satisfaction, and workplace culture. Cyril saw that these two departments share a common goal—enhancing the overall work environment—and believed they could achieve more by working closely together.
New Leadership Approach
To make this vision a reality, Cyril relocated the IT team under HR’s supervision. Initially, this shift was met with skepticism. Imagine your math teacher suddenly teaching music: it feels odd, right? That’s how the IT team felt. However, as they settled into this new structure, they began to notice tangible benefits like improved collaboration and a deeper understanding of each other’s roles.
Strengthening Team Relationships
The idea of IT working with HR might seem unconventional, but it’s redefining teamwork at Workleap. The integration encouraged the teams to not only pursue their departmental goals but also support each other’s objectives, kind of like students collaborating on a big group project. This has significantly improved empathy and communication between the teams.
Martin Sirard, the IT support manager, admitted there were challenges at first. But the growing trust and mutual respect have allowed both teams to better understand each other’s needs and priorities. While some friction remains as they adjust to new roles, the overall environment is more harmonious than before.
This successful blending of departments serves as a valuable lesson for entrepreneurs and small business owners. It’s proof that breaking down traditional silos within a company can foster stronger relationships and drive innovative solutions.
Looking Ahead: Planning for the Future
Rather than focusing on past mistakes, Workleap is now adopting a forward-thinking strategy. They shifted their focus from “lagging metrics,” which reflect past performance, to “leading metrics” that predict future trends. This proactive approach helps them anticipate challenges before they arise, making the workplace more resilient and adaptable.
Cyril Boisard firmly believes that this new reporting structure has already been successful. Although he doesn’t imply that every IT team should move under HR, he’s convinced that this structure can forge strong bonds and enable employees to thrive.
Advice for Other Businesses
Considering a similar change in your organization? Martin Sirard offers a valuable piece of advice: ensure that leadership is fully onboard and aligned with the idea before embarking on such a transition. It’s crucial that the leadership team is prepared with the right mindset to drive this change effectively.
For more insights into innovative workplace strategies, check out this article on IT Brew.
Final Thoughts: A Success Story for Teamwork
The decision to combine Workleap’s IT and HR teams under a single leadership umbrella has opened new avenues for collaboration and innovation. For small business owners, exploring unconventional partnerships like this could lead to more robust teamwork and a more dynamic work environment. The key is to remain open-minded and ready to embrace change.
