It is encouraging that employees get to know one another. Such familiarity provides an excellent foundation for open communication, conflict resolution and an appreciation of workplace diversity.

Steps should be taken to give employees an opportunity to get to know each other better. Sometimes this can be achieved through informal recreational opportunities. Perhaps the most efficient and direct method is to conduct small group discussions in which employees are asked to share from a list of questions designed to help people to get to know one another.

The strong sense of belonging is an important strength. Employees are likely to be motivated by the desire to see their work group succeed.

The lack of a sense of belonging undermines employee work experiences. Sometimes this is associated with the formation of social "cliques" or differences in the age, sex, ethnicity or backgrounds of employees. Training in workplace diversity issues can help to break down such barriers. Someone may also feel a lack of belonging if he or she did not participate in the formation of important work policies and achievements. If this is the case, efforts should be made to involve these employees in reexamining work policies. Where possible, newer employees should be given opportunity to make a visible contribution through a report or special work assignment.

Employees sense that their coworkers will care for them in times of need. This is an important strength. Caring benefits all involved. Offering assistance raises self-esteem and can reinforce important skills. Furthermore, mutual support reduces stress and gets work completed on a timely basis.

Employees need adequate opportunities to care for one another. In our culture, people often need permission to give and receive help. Sometimes formal programs of peer support need to be established. One strategy is to train mentors to provide coworker support for healthy lifestyle changes such as adopting regular exercise and stopping smoking.

Employees tend to report that they trust one another. Trust is the cornerstone of cooperation, innovation and good customer service. Ways should be found to renew the sense of mutual trust. When distrust is evident, it will be important to quickly resolve the problem. Some organizations have used "ropes courses" and other adventure experiences to spark a discussion of trust.

A lack of trust undermines workplace productivity and employee wellbeing. Trust is necessary for cooperation and innovation. It is also essential to customer service. Honesty, follow-through and open communication are important ingredients of trust. Some organizations have used "ropes courses" and other adventure experiences to spark a discussion of trust. Organizational policies and leadership behavior need to be modified in order to support a climate of trust.

Employees tend to feel comfortable expressing themselves. This is an important strength that enhances innovation and teamwork. Leaders can maintain this sense of openness by expressing their gratitude for feedback.

Employees report that they do not feel comfortable expressing themselves. A lack of openness can impede innovation and undermine teamwork. It will be important to root out intimidation and fear. Leaders need to express their gratitude for feedback. An important strategy for increasing openness is to introduce new communication channels like "lunch with the boss."