8 Proven Strategies to Increase Collaboration Between Teams

It’s hard when teams don’t work well together. Projects slow down, messages get lost, and people feel frustrated. You’re not the only one dealing with this—86% of employees and executives say a lack of teamwork is the top reason for workplace problems.

But the good news? It doesn’t have to stay that way. With a few simple shifts, you can help your teams work better together, build trust, and actually enjoy collaborating.

In this article, you’ll learn clear, practical ways to increase collaboration between teams—without adding more meetings or tools.

Why Cross-Team Collaboration Matters

When teams work well together, everyone benefits. But it doesn’t just happen on its own. You need to set things up so people can stay connected and work toward the same goals.

One of the biggest benefits is less confusion. Teams that talk to each other don’t repeat the same tasks. They also avoid miscommunication. This saves time and keeps projects on track.

It also helps with goal alignment. That means everyone understands what the company is trying to achieve. When teams share the same direction, they can support each other and make better choices.

Working across teams also improves how people feel at work. When employees feel included and supported, they are more likely to do their best work. It can even lead to new ideas. Different teams bring different skills and views, which helps create better solutions.

Another big plus is stronger trust. When people rely on each other and follow through on tasks, it builds accountability. Everyone knows what to expect.

Here’s what cross-team collaboration can do:

• Cut down on repeated work and errors
• Make sure everyone is working toward the same goals
• Improve how much teams get done
• Help people feel more connected and trusted

8 Proven Strategies to Increase Team Collaboration

1. Make Communication Easy

Good teamwork starts with clear communication. When people know what’s happening, they can focus on their work without confusion or delays.

Start by using instant messaging tools like Slack, Microsoft Teams, or WhatsApp. These apps make it easy to ask quick questions, share updates, and stay connected. Unlike emails, they let teams chat in real time, so problems get solved faster.

Regular check-in meetings help, too. These are short, focused meetings where teams review progress, discuss challenges, and plan next steps. Keeping them brief—around 15 minutes—ensures they stay useful without taking up too much time.

Clear communication also means writing messages that are easy to understand. When sending emails or chat messages:

• Use simple, direct language.
• Keep messages short and organized.
• Highlight key details, like deadlines or action items.

When teams communicate well, work flows more smoothly. Problems get solved faster, and everyone stays on the same page.

2. Build a Teamwork Culture

​​A strong teamwork culture helps people feel valued and connected. When teams trust and support each other, work becomes more enjoyable and productive.

Start by encouraging open communication. Make sure everyone feels comfortable sharing ideas, asking questions, and giving feedback. Active listening is just as important—when people feel heard, they’re more likely to contribute and collaborate.

Recognizing good teamwork also makes a difference. Give shoutouts when someone helps a teammate or works well with others. Even small rewards, like a thank-you message or a team lunch, show appreciation and motivate people to keep working together.

Team-building activities help strengthen relationships. These don’t have to be big events—simple things like a coffee chat, a group lunch, or a quick game can bring people closer. When teammates know each other beyond work tasks, they collaborate more naturally.

Here are simple ways to build a teamwork culture:

• Ask for input and listen to different perspectives.
• Highlight and reward teamwork, not just individual success.
• Plan activities that help teammates connect in a relaxed way.

When teams feel supported and appreciated, they work better together and create a positive work environment.

3. Set Clear Goals Together

Clear goals keep teams focused and working in the same direction. When everyone knows what they’re working toward, decisions become easier, and progress feels more organized.

Start by making sure all teams understand the company’s main goals. Whether it’s increasing sales, improving customer service, or launching a new product, teams need to see how their work fits into the bigger picture. When people understand why their tasks matter, they’re more motivated to do their best.

Next, define roles and responsibilities. Write down who is responsible for what, so there’s no confusion. This helps teams work more efficiently and reduces misunderstandings about who should handle specific tasks.

Regular progress checks keep teams on track. Review goals often and adjust when needed. If a project isn’t moving forward as expected, teams can identify problems early and make changes before small issues become big ones.

Here’s how to keep goals clear:

• Share company goals in a way that’s easy to understand.
• Clearly define each person’s role and responsibilities.
• Check progress regularly and adjust plans when necessary.

When goals are clear, teams stay organized, work better together, and make steady progress toward success.

4. Use Simple Collaboration Tools

The right tools make teamwork easier. When teams can share files, track tasks, and brainstorm in one place, work gets done faster with less confusion.

Start with file-sharing tools like Google Drive, Dropbox, or OneDrive. These let teams store, edit, and access documents from anywhere. Instead of sending email attachments back and forth, everyone can work on the same file in real time.

For managing tasks, use Trello, Asana, or Monday.com. These tools help teams organize projects, assign tasks, and track deadlines. A shared task board makes it clear who is responsible for what, reducing miscommunication.

Brainstorming works best when ideas are easy to share. Miro is an online whiteboard where teams can sketch ideas, add notes, and collaborate visually. This is especially useful for remote teams who can’t meet in person.

Here’s how to make collaboration smoother:

• Use Google Drive, Dropbox, or OneDrive to store and edit files.
• Organize tasks with Trello, Asana, or Monday.com.
• Brainstorm with Miro to map out ideas visually.

With the right tools, teams can stay connected, keep projects organized, and work together more effectively.

5. Work on Projects Together

Collaboration is stronger when teams work together on projects. Bringing people from different backgrounds and skill sets leads to better ideas and solutions.

One way to do this is by creating small groups with people from different teams. When employees from marketing, sales, and product development work together, they see challenges from new angles. This improves problem-solving and helps teams learn from each other.

Brainstorming meetings with multiple departments also spark fresh ideas. Different perspectives lead to creative solutions that one team alone might not think of. To make these meetings effective, set a clear goal, keep sessions short, and encourage open discussion.

Switching teams occasionally can also help employees build new skills. Letting employees work with different teams teaches them how different parts of the company operate. This helps them develop new abilities and understand how their work fits into the bigger picture.

Here’s how to improve collaboration on projects:

• Form small teams with employees from different departments.
• Hold brainstorming meetings with clear goals and open discussions.
• Allow employees to switch teams to learn new skills.

When teams work together across departments, they build stronger connections and create better results.

6. Train Teams to Work Better Together

Good teamwork doesn’t happen by itself. People need the right skills to communicate well, solve problems, and work through challenges together.

Start by teaching basic teamwork skills like active listening and problem-solving. Active listening means paying full attention to the speaker and responding thoughtfully. Problem-solving helps teams find solutions instead of getting stuck on issues. Both skills make collaboration smoother.

Workshops on conflict resolution and feedback also help teams work better together. Conflicts happen in every workplace, but knowing how to handle them keeps things professional and productive. Training employees to give and receive feedback in a constructive way improves trust and teamwork.

Another way to strengthen collaboration is by pairing employees from different teams. When someone from marketing works with someone from customer service, they gain a better understanding of each other’s challenges. This builds stronger connections and helps teams work together more effectively.

Here’s how to train teams for better collaboration:

• Teach active listening and problem-solving skills.
• Hold workshops on handling conflicts and giving feedback.
• Pair employees from different teams to learn from each other.

With the right training, teams become more confident, cooperative, and productive.

7. Make Collaboration Part of Everyday Work

Teamwork works best when it’s a daily habit, not just something for special projects. When collaboration becomes part of the workplace culture, teams communicate better and get more done together.

One way to do this is by asking teams for ideas on how to improve teamwork. Employees know what helps them work better, so their input is valuable. Simple changes, like adjusting meeting styles or using new tools, can make a big difference.

An open-door policy also helps. This means employees feel comfortable sharing concerns, asking for help, and offering suggestions. When people know their ideas and feedback are welcome, they are more likely to speak up and work together to solve problems.

Leaders play a big role in shaping workplace culture. When managers and team leads encourage teamwork and set a good example, employees follow. This could mean recognizing good collaboration, supporting cross-team projects, or simply being open to feedback.

Here’s how to make teamwork a daily habit:

• Ask employees for feedback on improving collaboration.
• Keep communication open so everyone feels heard.
• Make sure leaders model teamwork and support it.

When teamwork becomes part of everyday work, teams stay connected, engaged, and productive.

8. Use Feedback to Improve Teamwork

Good teamwork doesn’t just happen—it improves over time. One of the best ways to strengthen collaboration is by listening to employees and making changes based on their feedback.

Start by asking employees how they feel about teamwork. A short survey can help you understand what’s working and what isn’t. Keep the questions simple. Ask about communication, workload balance, and whether teams feel supported.

Next, talk to teams directly. Open discussions give employees a chance to share ideas and concerns. Some challenges might not show up in surveys but come out in conversations. Regular check-ins help teams feel heard and create a culture of open communication.

Finally, keep testing new ways to improve teamwork. If a change isn’t working, adjust it. If a new tool or process helps, expand it. The goal is to make collaboration easier over time.

Here’s how to use feedback to build better teamwork:

• Send short surveys to learn how employees feel about teamwork.
• Have open discussions to find out what’s working and what’s not.
• Keep making small improvements to support better collaboration.

Listening to feedback and making changes helps teams work together more effectively.

Common Challenges That Block Team Collaboration

Working with other teams isn’t always easy. A few things often get in the way.

One big challenge is siloed departments. This means teams work on their own and don’t share updates or plans. When this happens, people miss important info or do the same work twice. It slows everyone down.

Another issue is poor communication. Teams may not talk often, or they focus on different tasks. This causes confusion. One team might be rushing to meet a deadline while another team is planning something else. Their goals don’t match.

Speaking of goals, misaligned goals are a big problem. Each team may try to do what’s best for them, but not what’s best for the whole company. That leads to frustration and makes teamwork harder.

Sometimes, even the way teams work is different. This includes the tools they use, their daily schedules, or how they plan projects. These differences make it tough to work together.

Here’s a quick list of common blockers:

• Teams not sharing updates
• Confusing or missing communication
• Different goals or deadlines
• Using tools that don’t connect well

Fixing these problems takes time, but it helps teams get more done together. According to McKinsey, better collaboration can raise productivity by 20–25%.

Tools That Enhance Collaboration Between Teams

Using the right tools makes it easier for teams to work together. These tools help you stay organized, share updates, and keep everyone on the same page.

Project management platforms are a good place to start. Tools like Asana, Trello, and ClickUp let teams plan tasks, set deadlines, and track progress. Everyone can see who’s doing what and when it’s due.

Communication tools are just as important. Slack, Microsoft Teams, and Zoom help teams stay in touch. You can use chat for quick updates, video calls for meetings, and channels to keep topics organized.

For working on documents, tools like Google Workspace and Notion make it easy to create, edit, and comment together in real time. This saves time and cuts down on back-and-forth emails.

Some companies also use dashboards to track KPIs—key performance indicators. These are numbers that show how well a team or project is doing. When dashboards are shared across teams, everyone can see progress and spot issues early.

Here are four types of helpful tools:

• Task planners (Asana, Trello, ClickUp)
• Communication apps (Slack, Teams, Zoom)
• Shared documents (Google Docs, Notion)
• Team dashboards for tracking goals

Leadership’s Role in Fostering Team Collaboration

Good teamwork starts with leadership. When leaders show collaboration in their daily work, others follow. As a leader, your actions set the tone for how your team communicates, shares, and supports each other.

Here’s how you can help your teams work better together:

• Model collaboration: Work with others across teams. Be open about your own goals and ask for input. When people see leaders working together, they’re more likely to do the same.
• Recognize team efforts: Celebrate when teams work well together. A quick shout-out in a meeting or a thank-you message can go a long way.
• Create safe spaces: Encourage honest feedback and new ideas. A safe space means people can speak up without fear of judgment or blame.
• Align leadership goals: Make sure all leaders are working toward the same vision. If managers give mixed messages, teams will be confused and less likely to collaborate.

Collaboration in Remote and Hybrid Work Environments

Working from home or in a hybrid setup can make teamwork harder. People are in different places, sometimes in different time zones. That’s why you need to be more intentional about staying connected.

Start by setting up regular virtual check-ins. These short meetings help your team stay on the same page. They also give everyone a chance to ask questions and share updates.

Don’t rely only on live meetings. Asynchronous tools—like Slack, Trello, or shared docs—let people work together even if they’re not online at the same time. These tools help keep projects moving without waiting for a meeting.

It also helps to create digital spaces where people can talk casually. Channels just for fun, photos, or quick chats can build trust and make remote work feel less isolating.

Most of all, make sure your collaboration tools are part of your daily workflow. If they feel like extra work, people won’t use them.

Here are a few ways to boost collaboration:

• Hold short weekly team syncs
• Use tools like Notion or ClickUp to share tasks
• Start a team group chat for casual check-ins
• Encourage video calls for complex topics
• Share updates in writing to keep everyone informed

Final Thoughts

Bringing teams together doesn’t happen by chance—it takes effort, intention, and the right strategies. 

From aligning goals and using the right tools to fostering a culture of openness and trust, there’s so much you can do to improve team collaboration. 

Start small, stay consistent, and watch the results ripple across your entire organization. Ready to break down silos and build stronger teams? Let’s do this.