Teamwork in danger as downturn bites

Butler: Every cost-conscious business owner is under pressure to cut back

Company cut backs have left teamwork in jeopardy, according to a survey from web collaboration application firm Cisco WebEx.

Conducted by Vanson Bourne, the research revealed tight budgets for travel costs are proving challenging for creativity and idea sharing with 34 per cent of employers asking staff to cut out business travel and the same number asking them to attend fewer face-to-face meetings.

This is despite the fact that more than half of both employers and employees said this could adversely affect relationships with colleagues and customers.

Natalie Butler, UK manager at Cisco WebEx, said: “Every cost-conscious business owner is under pressure to cut back, particularly on expensive travel and time in meetings, but it is important this is not allowed to affect business interaction with colleagues and clients.

“Instant messaging, VoIP, web conferencing or even TelePresence for the most life-like meeting experience, collaborative technologies can provide viable alternatives to face-to-face meetings while maintaining an environment where staff can work together and ideas can be developed.”

The research revealed that almost 70 per cent of SMEs and mid-market company owners/managers consider teamwork as one of their top three most valued staff attributes during the recession, alongside passion for the business and flexibility in work hours.

John Dunsmure, managing director of The British Chambers of Commerce (BCC), said: “Now more than ever the UK business community needs its workforce to pull together.

“The overall strength of a company is greater than the sum of its parts, so while it is natural for staff to feel less secure and more hesitant about sharing ideas, teamwork can play a key role in getting us through the downturn.”

In light of the recent survey, Cisco WebEx has launched an online campaign to encourage idea sharing.