Good organisation and leadership is essential to ensure that team work is as safe, efficient and enjoyable as possible. Points to note:
- The leader should first explain the project, point out any hazards or safety points, and set the day’s objectives. Where a project looks dishearteningly big, it helps greatly to see at the end of the day that a measurable amount has been achieved.
- A small group should work methodically on one task at a time, rather than on several things which may not get completed in the time available. Larger groups can split up as necessary on separate tasks.
- Good teamwork is the key to efficiency and morale. Don’t leave anyone out. People of all ages and abilities must find a place in the team. Find a place for new volunteers to work alongside more experienced workers. When organising a bucket chain, put workers of similar strength in each team to maintain the work rhythm and reduce the chance of weaker volunteers straining and injuring themselves. Within the chain, swap positions at regular intervals.
- Vary the work to suit the weather. If it is cold, arrange the work so that everyone keeps on the move as much as possible. Serve hot soup for lunch with plenty of hot drinks during the day.
- A smooth work cycle is better than bursts of activity followed by halts. In earth-moving tasks, a circular pattern is more efficient than a linear one. Move full buckets or wheelbarrows up one route and empty ones down another so that there is always a container ready to be filled.
- If some jobs are colder or more tiring than others, switch people around from time to time to spread the burden.
- Where the project and site are suitable and the work rather monotonous, encourage friendly competition between two or more groups to enliven the proceedings.
