Everyday Workplace Policies

2. Working Together

2.1 Clarify who does what in the team, to avoid misunderstandings.

• Create a fair division of labour for chores. For example, making cups of tea (for colleagues and visitors) can become a bone of contention if it is left to chance. It is often minor issues like this that most undermine teamwork.

2.2 Even if you have an operator, make it plain that everyone is expected to pick up the phone, after a certain number of rings.

• Include telephone training as part of the induction process (see 1.2). Train all employees how to handle enquiries, take and pass on messages and transfer calls.