Building and Sustaining High-Performing Teams in

The social housing sector faces unique challenges that demand a dedicated and high-performing team. As a senior leader or C-suite executive, your role in building and sustaining such a team is crucial. In this blog, Rachel Birbeck shares how to recruit, retain, and nurture top talent, foster a positive work environment, and leverage team-building exercises to boost performance.

Techniques for Recruiting and Retaining Top Talent

1. Embrace Inclusive Hiring Practices:

Diverse Talent Pool: Actively seek candidates from varied backgrounds. Diversity enriches team perspectives and drives innovative solutions.
Transparent Job Descriptions: Clearly define roles, expectations, and growth opportunities. Highlight your commitment to social impact, which can attract mission-driven professionals.

2. Competitive Compensation and Benefits:

Fair Salaries: Ensure your compensation packages are competitive within the industry. This not only attracts top talent but also reduces turnover.
Comprehensive Benefits: Offer benefits that cater to the diverse needs of your employees, including health insurance, retirement plans, and wellness programs.

3. Professional Development Opportunities:

Continuous Learning: Invest in training programs and workshops that keep your team updated on the latest trends and practices in social housing.
Career Advancement: Provide clear pathways for career progression. Mentorship programs can also be instrumental in employee development and retention.

4. Strong Employer Brand:

Positive Reputation: Cultivate a workplace culture that employees are proud to be part of. Encourage them to share their positive experiences, which can enhance your reputation and attract top talent.
Employee Advocacy: Engage current employees as brand ambassadors to attract new talent through word-of-mouth and social media.

Fostering a Positive and Productive Work Environment

1. Cultivate a Culture of Respect and Inclusion:

Open Communication: Promote transparency and open dialogue. Encourage feedback and make it a part of your organisational culture.
Inclusive Practices: Implement policies that ensure all employees feel valued and included. This can significantly boost morale and productivity.

2. Recognise and Reward Excellence:

Acknowledgement: Regularly recognise and reward outstanding performance. This can range from verbal praise to formal awards.
Incentive Programs: Develop incentive programs that align with both organisational goals and employee aspirations.

3. Work-Life Balance:

Flexible Working Arrangements: Offer flexible hours and remote work options where possible. This helps employees manage their personal and professional lives more effectively.
Mental Health Support: Provide resources and support for mental well-being. An environment that supports mental health is crucial for sustained productivity.

4. Empowerment and Autonomy:

Delegation: Trust your team with responsibility and decision-making power. Empowered employees are more engaged and motivated.
Ownership: Encourage a sense of ownership in projects. When team members feel their contributions are impactful, their commitment and performance improve.

Team-Building Exercises and Their Impact on Performance

1. Collaborative Projects:

Cross-Functional Teams: Form teams that bring together members from different departments. This encourages knowledge sharing and improves problem-solving skills.
Innovation Challenges: Host hackathons or innovation days where teams can work on creative solutions to existing problems.

2. Regular Team-Building Activities:

Workshops and Away Days: Organise away days or workshops that focus on team dynamics and collaboration.
Social Events: Plan regular social events to foster camaraderie. This helps in building personal connections that enhance teamwork.

3. Structured Feedback Sessions:

Team Reviews: Conduct regular team performance reviews where members can give and receive constructive feedback.
360-Degree Feedback: Implement 360-degree feedback systems to provide a comprehensive view of performance and areas for improvement.

4. Problem-Solving Exercises:

Simulation Games: Use simulation games to practice problem-solving in a controlled, risk-free environment. These exercises can improve critical thinking and teamwork.
Scenario Planning: Engage teams in scenario planning exercises to prepare for potential challenges and develop strategic responses.

Conclusion

Building and sustaining high-performing teams in the social housing sector requires a multifaceted approach. By focusing on effective recruitment and retention strategies, fostering a positive work environment, and incorporating impactful team-building exercises, you can create a dynamic and resilient team poised to address the sector’s challenges. Your leadership in these areas not only enhances team performance but also drives the mission of providing safe, affordable housing for all.

To discuss developments in the sector, or to explore working with Rachel to find a new opportunity, or a senior-level professional within the sector to join your organisation, email rbirbeck@lincolncornhill.com.