Creating Stronger Connections in a Disconnected World

Too often, interpersonal connections have been whittled down to a text, Teams chat, or an emoji response. Add in the demands of a planning job and varied workplace settings — in office, remote, or hybrid — connecting in a meaningful way on a peer-to-peer level can easily fall low on your to-do list. It's not a surprise that a survey of 5,000 workers by HubSpot found two-thirds of employees feel disconnected from their coworkers. In fact, more than half of the survey respondents prioritized building connections with coworkers over a 10 percent increase in salary.

Disconnection Impacts

In the office, a feeling of disconnection can lead to poorer productivity, burnout, and even turnover — impacting the performance and financial health of an organization. A lack of connection not only impacts workplace performance, but it can also impact individual health. A 2023 U.S. Surgeon General report, "Our Epidemic of Loneliness and Isolation," found that more than half of U.S. adults report experiencing loneliness. This can have a direct impact on individual well-being, increasing the risk of depression, anxiety, and even cardiovascular disease.

Maximize Work Connections

Since we spend approximately one-third of our lives working, how can we increase our connection with our coworkers? Adam "Smiley" Poswolsky, a workplace culture and belonging expert, created a free guide to help improve your workplace connections. The guide, 70 Ways to Connect at Work: Practical Tools to Build Human Connection in the Age of AI, Distrust, and Overwhelm, provides numerous ideas on how to strengthen your peer-to-peer connections.

Suggestions for improving workplace connections range from little effort, like sending a handwritten letter, to more involved activities like holding a small wins party to celebrate achievements on your way to completing a longer-term goal.

Instead of holding a "stay" interview, Poswolsky recommends holding a "thrive" interview with your supervisor. This is an opportunity to discuss what excites you about your work and what you need to continue to succeed, building shared goals and support.

Profitable Gains

Employee connection doesn't just help individual workers; it also helps the business. Stronger employee connections can lead to higher feelings of job satisfaction, increased productivity, and reduced turnover, which can all positively impact the bottom line for an organization. Additionally, connecting more intentionally with your coworkers can also positively impact your own personal well-being.

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