Team cohesion at work: 5 strategies to combine kindness and performance

So how do we strengthen team cohesion without sacrificing performance? Here are five concrete strategies inspired by best business practices and by the Chateauform podcast “Can kindness and performance really go together?”

1. Foster open and caring communication

Open, caring communication is the foundation of strong team cohesion. Encouraging active listening helps talents feel heard and valued—two powerful drivers of a healthy work environment. Leadership starts here: setting the tone with transparent, respectful dialogue.

A few practical ways to build trust:

• Schedule regular meetings to align on objectives and strengthen team interactions.
• Observe team dynamics closely to identify unspoken needs and adjust your approach.
• Organize team-building activities to reinforce bonds between colleagues.

As highlighted in the podcast, generative listening helps manage conflict and creates a calm, supportive workplace. Less noise. More meaning.

2. Encourage autonomy and accountability

Strong teams grow in a secure, supportive framework that gives talents the freedom to act autonomously. An inspiring leader empowers talents to develop their relational skills and fully engage in their work—even remotely, which is no small challenge.

Effective levers include:

• Clarifying responsibilities to give room for autonomy.
• Organizing seminars to strengthen autonomy and encourage initiative-taking.
• Highlighting individual strengths during meetings and inviting everyone to share ideas.
• Offering targeted training to improve collaboration and mutual support.

Autonomy is not about letting go. It’s about trusting—and elevating.

3. Create moments for sharing and reconnection

Team-building activities play a key role in strengthening relationships and nurturing authentic collaboration. These informal moments help talents get to know one another beyond job titles and improve quality of work life.

A few ideas to energize your team:

• Take part in internal events that encourage cooperation and conviviality.
• Organize creative workshops to boost collective intelligence.
• Launch a shared project that carries meaning for everyone involved.

Moments of connection create real dynamics. And real dynamics build strong teams.

Want to go further? Discover 30 ideas for activities to strengthen team cohesion.

4. Build a culture of constructive feedback

Regular, thoughtful feedback is a powerful driver of team cohesion. It draws a clear line between kindness and complacency—and keeps motivation alive.

Best practices for effective feedback:

• Plan recurring feedback sessions to realign goals and prevent misunderstandings.
• Encourage managers to give constructive feedback based on concrete observations.
• Adapt feedback to each individual, valuing strengths while addressing areas for growth.

High-quality feedback creates a positive, productive work environment. Straightforward. Respectful. Useful.

5. Align individual values with company values

A work environment rooted in shared values is essential for lasting team cohesion. Every talent must feel involved, recognized, and connected to collective success.

How can we foster this alignment?

• Introduce regular rituals that remind teams of company values and reinforce a sense of belonging.
• Promote transparent organization, so everyone understands their role in the collective journey.
• Ensure consistency between company objectives and individual expectations to strengthen cohesion.

Alignment fuels engagement. Engagement fuels performance.

How can you strengthen cohesion within a team?

Cohesion is built on transparent communication, smooth collaboration, and regular moments of connection. Company seminars, team-building activities, and a culture of mutual support are key levers to solidify relationships between colleagues.

What is the most important factor in team cohesion?

Trust. Everything starts there.

Without trust, no healthy or efficient working dynamic can exist. Clear communication, genuine recognition, and a caring framework are essential to strengthening this cornerstone.

Why is trust so essential?

• It eases communication: Talents feel free to ask questions, share ideas, and seek help—without fear of judgment.
• It reinforces commitment to company values: Teams that believe in their mission are more engaged and more effective.
• It improves conflict management: Disagreement doesn’t mean rupture. A culture of constructive feedback helps teams grow together.
• It creates a motivating environment: Feeling respected and heard naturally boosts motivation and quality of work life.

What is team cohesion?

Team cohesion is what enables a company to achieve its ambitions while cultivating a positive work atmosphere.

The pillars of team cohesion:

• A shared goal: High-performing teams know why they work together—and where they are heading.
• Clear roles: Everyone understands their responsibilities and how their work contributes to the collective project.
• Positive dynamics: A culture of support and recognition strengthens relationships and improves the work environment.
• Flexibility and adaptability: United teams adjust more easily to challenges and uncertainty through agile organization.

Every solution must be designed to foster a harmonious work environment—even remotely—and turn every moment into an opportunity for meaningful exchange.

To go further, listen to the Chateauform podcast “Can kindness and performance really go together?” By embracing kindness and collective intelligence, every company can build a work climate where people—and performance—truly thrive.