Written by 

Carlos R.
22 October 2024

Implementing a ‘Ways of Working’

Whether you’re ready to bring new employees into your startup or want to change the organisational structure of your current team, having a ‘Ways of Working’ document is crucial to setting expectations for everyone. As a business owner, you’ll want to set the groundwork so everyone knows what is and isn’t allowed and what the expectations are for participating and collaborating.

 

What does a ‘Ways of Working’ document consist of?

‘Ways of Working’ (WoW) is a blueprint document based on how a team or group of people collaborate together within a given framework. It usually outlines the working and team arrangements along with company rules, overall understandings, informal implicit standards, and any expectations or aspirations.

 

Why are Ways of Working important?

Having a Ways of Working document for your business is important because it builds trust and psychological safety for all employees. It also provides clear communication guidelines for the team and reduces burnout while increasing resilience. When a new employee joins, they can read the ‘ways of working’ to understand the day-to-day operations, which will help them feel prepared from the start.

Nothing is worse than going into a new company and not knowing what to do or how to provide value. A lack of any formal guidance can lead to frustration and worry. To alleviate this, having new employees read a checklist filled with all the key details, inviting them to specific meetings beforehand, or introducing them to someone to shadow, will help them to adapt to the new environment and feel more comfortable.

A good business owner puts their people first, placing them at the heart of the business. Building a ‘people first’ culture ultimately leads to higher employee satisfaction and a more cohesive team. When people feel valued in their jobs, they’re more likely to invest in the company’s future and at the end of the day, an environment where innovation and collaboration thrive creates an environment filled with both growth and success.

 

A Ways of Working framework

Below are some of the sections every business owner should consider including in their ways of working principles:

Company Structure

Specifically outline:

  1. How your business functions
  2. Key values and company mission
  3. Organisational structure
  4. Company rules
  5. Informal implicit standards
  6. Any expectations or aspirations
 

Workflow Layout

  • Outline the process of how the team moves projects forward and how work gets done cross-functionally, so everyone understands their roles and how to work effectively.
  • Share a team calendar and invite everyone to the meetings they are needed at.
  • Clearly state what your office environment and work expectations are – remote, hybrid, or in-person? Social sessions? Team lunches?

 

Resources

  • Provide a step-by-step guide to your database or file-sharing system, outlining how work is organised and how team members can access it.
  • Add new members to the main collaboration platform, such as Slack, WhatsApp, Asana, or Confluence, where everyone can ask questions, get updates, or manage tasks. See how it continues to go as more employees join your company or adjust it as needed to fill everyone’s needs.
 

Why it’s beneficial for business

If there is friction between team members or confusion among new hires, a ‘Ways of Working’ agreement can help resolve these issues. It will also speed up decision-making and clarify expectations for each person. No employee wants to feel lost, so having a clear understanding of each person’s responsibilities and deadlines, as well as the overall team structure will benefit your business as a whole.

As a leader, it’s crucial to lead with clarity rather than ambiguity. Set clear boundaries and have a plan in place so you can guide your team towards success. By documenting processes and responsibilities, you’ll be well on your way to creating a happy and healthy work environment.

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