Collectivism and Individualism in the Workplace 


What is Collectivism?


Obtaining a collective attitude is a very important method of function within the workplace as it utilizes everyone’s strengths to increase the quality and value of effort. Collective effort must originate from one's individualistic strength and cannot be confused with unhealthy dependency. 


There is a fine line between the two. Collective efforts and unhealthy dependencies share a fine line, so it is important that management strengthens each employee’s best traits before releasing them into a collective setting to increase productivity. Haven’t you heard that two heads are better than one? Working as a team enforces quality effort. It also brings in the healthy, fun competition so your employees are more engaged in specific tasks. 



What is Individualism?


Individualism accounts for the effort an employee makes as they are getting to know their strength and weaknesses in order to better apply themselves in the workplace. This approach is a necessary practice before even considering collectivism. Regardless of whether you want to pursue an eventual team effort, it is important for employees to hone in on their individuality to amplify their talent and quality of effort. 


Individualism is a fantastic approach because it puts employees in constant acknowledgment of their hard work. As an employee continues to practice individualism, they become more and more self-aware of who they are and how they benefit the workplace. Self-awareness is a key factor in order to grow! 


The Importance of Both


When the both of them are implemented in the workplace, the range of noteworthy benefits begins to show because your workplace now has the best of both worlds. Imagine employees working together while being sure of themselves and their skill set. Confidence is exuding, and employees are competing within healthy limits. This sort of workplace maintains a balanced atmosphere, so imagine the quality of the productivity in your workplace. 


Not only that, the balance of both implies that the negative traits of both are bound to be canceled out! You see, if individuality is only emphasized, employees will turn selfish as they are aspiring for their personal gain as opposed to benefiting the company/business. They will be too concerned with what they are getting out of this job, subduing the importance of company-related goals. If the company proceeds as collective-oriented, then employees might transgress to an unhealthy dependence. 


How to Implement it in the Workplace 


Implementing both of these practices is not as hard as you think. Though these approaches require opposing mentalities, it is not a hard process in forging the two! So long as you look at it from a perspective where individuality and collectivity go hand and hand, you will begin to see clear routes of implementation. Before venturing into a collective atmosphere, allow your employees to participate in individualistic practices. Establish a healthy environment where employees feel good about their strengths and promote their hard work by rewarding them. Feeling self-assured is an important step before practicing collectivism