Building High-Performing, Happy Teams

Building High-Performing, Happy Teams

The Secret Sauce to Building High-Performing, Happy Teams—No Matter Where They Work.

In today's world, teams are as diverse in location as they are in personality. Some people work in bustling offices, others from their cosy home offices, and many split their time between both. Whether remote, hybrid, or in-person, creating a high-performing and happy team takes more than just Zoom calls and check-ins. So, what's the secret sauce to building a team that's not only productive but genuinely thriving?

We've crunched the numbers, dug into the research, and have reflected on our team's experiences. Here's what we found—and five key tips to help you build a high-performing, happy team no matter where they are.

1. Flexibility Isn't a Perk—It's a Requirement

Remember when working from home was considered a luxury? That's changed and is constantly changing over the past few years in Ireland and across the globe. Flexibility in how and where people work has become one of the top priorities for employees. According to a 2023 survey by HRLocker, 67% of employees in Ireland reported that flexibility in work location and hours is now a major factor in job satisfaction and performance. In the UK, that figure climbs to 74%, according to a study by YouGov.

So, what does this mean for building happy teams? Simple: be flexible, can you get comfortable with focusing on outcomes and impact vs the time clocked when and where something was done. Whether it's allowing remote work, flexible hours, or even as simple as letting people collect their kids from school and work up the hours in the evening, giving your team autonomy over their schedule doesn't just boost morale—it boosts performance. When people can work in the way that suits them best, they're more likely to produce their best work.

Tip: Create a flexible clear working policy that respects individual needs but also aligns with business objectives. Tailor it to your team's specific dynamic and job roles, while ensuring fairness across the board.

2. Frequent and Genuine Communication Is Key

Here's a stat that should make every leader sit up: 58% of remote workers in Ireland feel disconnected from their teams and leadership, according to a 2024 IrishJobs.ie report. And it's not just a remote issue—hybrid workers can also feel left out when they're office day is prioritised as the place for connection but what about the other days when they are at home?

So how do you tackle this? Communication, communication, communication! But not just any kind—genuine, transparent communication. Leaders who are open, honest, and consistent in their communications build trust. It also helps bridge any gaps created by physical distance or varying work schedules.

Tip: Implement regular check-ins and feedback loops, but make them meaningful. Use a mix of formal touchpoints (like team meetings) and informal ones (like virtual coffee chats) to keep everyone engaged. Tools like Asana and Trello can keep things moving but communication platforms like Slack and Zoom have add-ons that can make it more interactive and engaging, making it more intentional.

3. Foster a Culture of Continuous Learning

High-performing teams aren't just good at what they do—they're always looking to get better. Encouraging continuous learning and professional development keeps your team sharp and motivated. According to a 2023 survey by LinkedIn Learning, 94% of employees in Ireland and the UK said they would stay longer at a company that invests in their career development.

Learning doesn't just mean formal training sessions or certifications. It's about creating an environment where employees feel encouraged to grow and take on new challenges. Whether it's mentorship programs, access to online courses, or encouraging employees to attend conferences, the opportunity to develop new skills drives engagement and productivity.

Tip: Offer both structured learning opportunities and room for self-directed growth. Create a learning budget and actively encourage team members to take advantage of it, making personal and professional development a cornerstone of your team's culture.

4. Focus on Clear Goals and Purpose

A clear sense of direction is one of the biggest drivers of team performance. Studies show that employees are more engaged when they know how their work contributes to the bigger picture. According to a 2024 study by Great Place to Work UK, 91% of high-performing employees cited knowing the purpose and value of their work as the top factor in their motivation.

And in Ireland? A survey from WorkVivo found that teams with clearly defined goals were 3x more likely to exceed performance targets. When employees feel like their work is meaningful and aligns with the company's vision, they're happier and more committed.

Tip: Break down your company's mission into clear, actionable team goals and consistently outline how employees day to day work positively impacts these. Ensure everyone understands how their individual contributions feed into the larger purpose of the business.

5. Recognise and Celebrate Success—Big and Small

In the busy rush of deadlines and projects, it's easy to forget to celebrate the wins. But taking time to acknowledge achievements—whether big or small—has a direct impact on team morale and productivity. According to the Employee Recognition Survey 2023 by Reward Gateway, 82% of employees in the UK said that recognition directly improves their work satisfaction, yet 42% reported feeling underappreciated.

In Ireland, recognition is also a big deal. A 2023 survey by Indeed showed that 69% of employees felt recognition from leadership increased their sense of belonging, a key factor in retention and performance.

Tip: Make recognition a regular part of your team culture. Use both formal systems, like employee awards, and informal ones, like a shout-out in team meetings or a simple thank-you note. It's amazing how far a little appreciation can go!

Final Thoughts:

Building a high-performing, happy team is all about balance—giving autonomy while fostering accountability, embracing flexibility alongside structure, and celebrating progress every step of the way. No matter where or how your team works, success comes from creating an environment where people feel valued, inspired, and empowered to grow. When everyone thrives, the business does too.

At JVM Consultancy, we're passionate about helping businesses build strong, engaged teams that perform at their best. If you're ready to take your leadership and team culture to the next level, let's talk! Plus, don't forget to check out our mentorship programme to help nurture your team's future leaders.

Back to blog

Leave a comment

Please note, comments need to be approved before they are published.