In our modern age of being digitally connected, doesn’t it feel more and more like we are missing out on “old-fashioned” personal connection?
A recent opportunity to host a training for a local organization brought this home to me even more. During one session, participants were asked to create and then share a short-term goal that they would like to address in the coming week. As each person voiced his or her personal goal out loud, murmurs of agreement affirmed the choice. As more voices were added to the mix, informal “groups” sprang up in which people with similar goals recognized and committed to support each other. In a very brief period of time, people who had known each other and worked together for years, were able to discover new commonalities and connect on a very human level.
A quick Google of why connection is important, even at work, will yield such benefits as:
- Improved job satisfaction: Employees who feel connected to their peers are more likely to be engaged, productive, and enjoy their work.
- Greater retention: When employees feel valued and connected, they are more likely to stay with the company, which can save employers money.
- Better collaboration: Connected teams are more likely to collaborate and share knowledge.
- Increased innovation: Healthy work relationships can lead to more innovation and performance.
- Improved well-being: Feeling socially connected is a basic human need that can lead to a sense of well-being.
- Stronger support system: Having friends at work can provide a support system that helps employees through difficult times.
- Greater psychological safety: High-quality connections can bolster psychological safety and make teams more resilient.
C-LEAD is committed to assisting organizations with leadership development, staff training, and team-building, as well as improving communication and connection in the workplace.
Resources:
https://blog.jostle.me/blog/why-connection-in-the-workplace-matters
https://executive.berkeley.edu/thought-leadership/blog/importance-connections-our-well-being
https://greatergood.berkeley.edu/article/item/four_ways_to_create_high_quality_connections_at_work
https://www.webmdhealthservices.com/blog/the-importance-of-social-connections-in-the-workplace/
https://www.workvivo.com/blog/human-connection-at-work-how-to/