How can you work together as a team more effectively and enjoyably? Research shows that TeamUp helps teams at VU Amsterdam foster greater openness, understanding and collaboration.
Study shows positive impact
The TeamUp workshops at VU Amsterdam contribute to more enjoyable and effective collaboration within teams. This is evident from the recent impact study “Building Better Teams” conducted by the VU Center for Teaching & Learning (CTL) among workshop participants. Since its launch in June 2024, more than 40 teams and over 400 employees have participated in TeamUp.
Greater connection and openness
The study shows that participants particularly value the workshops for their open and safe atmosphere and the opportunity to get to know each other better. One participant said: “You get to know a colleague in a different way and hear stories you didn’t know before (…) This creates a better connection.”
Insights teams put into practice immediately
The workshops not only provide new insights but also lead to concrete changes in practice. Participants report that they are more aware of their own roles, listen more attentively, engage in conversation more often, and seek out colleagues more actively. As one participant writes: “Whereas we used to communicate mainly via chat or case studies, you can see that we’re now seeking each other out more.” In several teams, TeamUp also led to adjustments in meeting structures and more space for reflection.
Space for differences
An important outcome of TeamUp is that participants become more attuned to differences in perspective, communication style, and background. As these differences become more visible and easier to discuss, they come to appreciate the diversity within their team more. And that increases mutual understanding and strengthens collaboration. One participant put it this way: “I think our strength comes precisely from the complementary qualities we possess.” Psychological safety also plays an important role in this: participants feel they have more freedom to speak their minds and bring up difficult topics.
TeamUp as an investment in collaboration
According to the researchers, TeamUp shows particularly strong results in the areas of direct experience, awareness, and initial practical application. As such, the workshop lays a solid foundation for sustainable team development within VU Amsterdam. The findings therefore support the continued use of TeamUp within the organization.
Ready to get started with your team?
Would you like to work with your team to improve collaboration, foster more open communication, and establish concrete agreements for practical application? Explore the possibilities of TeamUp and sign up your team.
Want to learn more about the research?
Would you like to learn more about the research behind TeamUp? Please contact Kerstin Hämmerling (k.haemmerling@vu.nl) for more information and the full report.
The TeamUp workshop is a collaboration between HRMAM and CTL.