Corporate collaboration is a societal phenomenon. It is reinforced by the digital uses in the daily life of individuals, the need to share information, know-how and assets. But also by the need to help each other and to create together.

These needs have even become expectations for all employees within organizations. In a digital transformation context, collaboration must follow the acculturation phase. Indeed, once employees are aligned on a common posture and language, they are ready to create, share, contribute and exchange. How to boost collaboration in the enterprise?

[Read also: Acculturation, the first step of the digital transition in companies]

Put collaboration at the heart of your digital transformation

Collaboration in companies, a lever for performance and commitment

Different types of digital tools can facilitate collaboration in companies. And if these tools have managed to impose themselves, it's because they have proven their impact on several levels. First, at the business level.

According to a McKinsey study, employees who use a collaborative tool see their productivity increase by an average of 25%. But also in terms ofemployee commitment. Because the desire to increase collaboration translates into a desire to give employees the keys and autonomy to be more effective. A way to boost their commitment to the company.

This is what they are looking for. They are more and more willing to get involved in projects and to obtain more responsibilities. Collaborative tools allow them to exchange as equals and to enrich each other.

Collaboration: the cornerstone of a digital (and organisational) transformation

If collaboration generates performance and engagement, it is only natural that it is at the heart of digital transformation. Because if companies are undergoing a digital transformation, it is to be more efficient and to generate a maximum of engagement.

But beware, it would be simplistic to associate collaboration only with a purely digital transformation. Collaboration profoundly transforms the relationships between individuals in the company. It contributes to the disappearance of the traditional "silo" organization in favor of a more horizontal organization.

Thus, information circulates from one site to another, from one team to another, from one employee to another. This creates mutual trust and recognition, leading to efficiency, productivity and the constant sharing of information and knowledge.

What forms can collaboration take?

It is common to consider collaboration from a business perspective. However, collaboration is " participating with one or more others in a common work". Collaboration can therefore be considered in a broad sense, as a form of commitment and participation in the life and project of the company.

In concrete terms, collaboration can be translated into several types of actions:

• Creating groups or communities (of work or interest)
• Ask questions and exchange (around business issues... or not!)
• Participating in conversations
• Create and/or share content
• Giving feedback

These different types of actions involve employees in new ways of working. They get involved, feel that their voice counts and take part in the functioning of the company.