Have you been on a healthy team where collaborative energy is high and you’re (gasp) excited to head in for the day? It’s magical, but what’s the secret sauce? I’ve been experimenting and am fnding the often-overlooked little things have a big impact. These “little things” help create a work environment where we don’t just collaborate — we genuinely enjoy being part of a shared, alive space.
Collaborative Ownership and Team Buy-In
A space that reflects our team’s personality and values encourages us to take pride in our surroundings and our work. When we shape our environment, it creates a stronger connection to the pod and the projects we work on. This shared ownership can transform the office into a lively space that supports creativity, camaraderie, and teamwork. These touches — whether it’s a shared speaker, a weekly rearrangement of workspaces, or a change in routine — might seem simple. However, they can have a significant impact on the way people feel about coming to work. Here are some specific things on this front we’ve implemented.
Shared Speaker and Communal Music
Adding a shared speaker with communal music has brought a fun, dynamic element to our workspace. There was a little apprehension at first (oh no, what if I find out someone really likes Nickleback?!), so we set some guidelines to keep it collaborative — anyone can change the playlist at any time, no one “owns” the queue and volume is kept reasonable for other pods on the floor. This approach has transformed our atmosphere with a mix of styles and sounds that reflect our team’s diverse personalities. Sometimes it’s mellow; sometimes it’s upbeat, sometimes it’s weird. Almost always there are a couple of people bobbing their heads in unison. The flexibility keeps the environment interesting, and each team member gets to contribute to the mood of the space.
Walking Standups
We introduced walking standups four months ago, and the response has been fantastic. This little shift gets us out of our pod, adds a bit of movement to our day, and brings a touch of freshness to every morning. We’ve noticed that the change of scenery and boost in energy have led to more engaged discussions, making our standups feel more alive and productive.
Weekly Pair Rotation and Workspace Reconfiguration
At Atomic, we’re big on the power of pair programming. We sit by our teams and often spend a majority of time working in pairs. We took this one step further on our project. Every week, we change up development pairs and rearrange our workspace so that pairs sit directly next to each other. This practice maximizes collaboration, fosters adaptability, and keeps things feeling fresh. It’s a small change, but the weekly reset keeps everyone engaged and strengthens connections across the group.
Embracing Experimentation and Growth
One of the most important aspects of creating a collaborative and engaging workspace is fostering a mindset that welcomes experimentation and celebrates failures. Experimentation allows us to iterate on ideas and discover what actually works. Beyond that, a willingness to try new things keeps everyone on the team more flexible, open, and eager to find ways to improve. It shifts our focus from maintaining the status quo to actively seeking ways to grow and adapt. By cultivating this mindset, we create a culture where continuous improvement becomes the norm, and our team feels empowered to bring fresh ideas to the table.
Building a Culture of Care, Joy, and Experimentation in the Workplace
Intentional, small touches in a shared space can have a transformative impact on a team’s experience. By fostering an environment that encourages collaborative ownership and welcoming small shifts that add a fresh layer of energy, we create a workplace where people feel excited to contribute, collaborate, and grow.
But just as important is a mindset of experimentation. Embracing a willingness to try new things — even if they’re small or experimental — adds another layer of value. Not every experiment will work, but there’s success in simply trying, learning, and growing. Sometimes, unexpected changes make the biggest difference. As leaders, we have a unique opportunity to bring care, joy, and a spirit of curiosity into the workplace, encouraging our teams to thrive.
