Why is everyone talking about employee connection?

With technology transforming how we work, water-cooler conversations and lunchroom banter are becoming a thing of the past.

Without these in-person interactions, employees find connecting with teammates from behind their computer screens difficult. In fact, 43% of employees feel strongly disconnected from their work.

This increased reliance on remote work and digital communication has highlighted the importance of fostering meaningful connections between employees.

In this article, we’ll look into the benefits of fostering solid employee connection and ways to strengthen it.

What is employee connection?

Employee connection, viewed from an organizational standpoint, refers to the interconnected relationships between individuals in a professional setting.

It includes:

• Communication
• Project collaboration
• Socializing beyond work hours

However, it is more than just exchanging information or pleasantries.

Forging connections in the workplace requires a shared sense of identity and purpose to help people feel like part of a greater cause.

These connections are essential for building strong teams and a unified culture open to (and striving for) innovation and progress.

Virtual happy hours, in-person team-building activities, or even casual conversations online can build a strong sense of connection between employees, forming the foundation of an effective and successful organization.

Benefits of employee connection

It doesn't matter if you're a startup or an established organization—how team members interact can be a major source of motivation and productivity. The benefits of strong employee connection are endless.

• Improved communication: Any kind of communication becomes easier when employees are connected. Colleagues with a strong bond tend to have more open and honest conversations about work-related issues.
• Increased employee satisfaction and engagement: One of the most important factors in employee satisfaction is feeling connected. A sense of community among colleagues fosters appreciation and value in the workplace.
• Better collaboration and teamwork: A connected team is more likely to collaborate effectively and work together towards a common goal. Employees who share a strong bond can trust and rely on their colleagues without constantly reminding each other of tasks or deadlines.
• Higher productivity and performance: The drive to do well and succeed is often fueled by the connections shared among colleagues. Employees tend to perform better and increase productivity when there is mutual trust and respect.

Strategies for building employee connection

Working with a group of people provides the opportunity to form meaningful workplace relationships. But creating and nurturing those relationships doesn’t happen overnight; it requires effort, dedication, and a shared commitment to connection.

Encouraging open communication

Every time employees speak up, they connect with the rest of the team. The same goes for listening and responding to each other’s ideas and suggestions.

Allow employees to express ideas and concerns without fear of consequences or judgment and actively consider their suggestions. Encouraging employees to share their thoughts and ideas openly can foster a more cohesive workplace atmosphere and lead to innovations that may otherwise be stifled.

Providing opportunities for socializing and team building

Nothing brings people closer together than fun activities and shared experiences.  Allowing employees to interact socially, on and off the job, breaks down barriers and enhances team connections.

The more time employees spend together, the better they’ll get to know each other personally. Try things like: 

• Company-sponsored lunches
• Off-site retreats
• Virtual happy hours

These activities allow employees to let loose and have fun while building relationships that will extend beyond the workplace.

Follow these easy tips to improving your teamwork

Creating a positive work environment

The workplace can sometimes be stressful and overwhelming, especially if there’s a sense of competition or negativity. Shift the focus to:

• Mutual respect
• Open communication
• Collaboration

Fostering a culture of openness and inclusivity can strengthen connections among employees and inspire them to take risks and confidently generate innovative ideas.

Recognizing and rewarding good work

A crucial part of our employee success framework, recognition and rewards are powerful motivators that reinforce good behavior and strengthen connections between employees.

Recognition can take many forms, from offering incentives or giving compliments. These small gestures can significantly enhance employee morale by recognizing their hard work and motivating them to continue striving.

Measuring employee connection

Determining employee connection levels helps measure team effectiveness, identify areas for improvement, and predict key performance indicators like engagement and productivity.

One of the easiest ways to measure employee connection is through surveys and feedback mechanisms. These tools can provide insight into team member relationships and reveal communication or collaboration issues. Some questions to ask include:

• On a scale of 1-5, one being the lowest and five being the highest, how comfortable do you feel talking to your teammates?
• Do you have a good understanding of the team’s goals and objectives?
• How often do you interact with your colleagues outside of work?
• Do you take part in any team activities or events outside of work?
• What topics help you connect with others?

Another way to measure employee connection is by tracking certain metrics on employee engagement, such as employee satisfaction, turnover rates, benchmark performance goals, and absenteeism. 

If properly analyzed, this data can uncover valuable insights into employee happiness, team dynamics, and the general well-being of the organization.

Conclusion

Establishing a robust connection among employees is an ongoing effort that requires commitment and perseverance from the outset.

It will lead to a happier and more productive workplace, improved job performance, increased employee satisfaction, and a stronger sense of community. To get there, organizations should use technology to strengthen employee connection and enhance employee experience.

Work doesn’t have to be hard. At the end of the day, employee connection is about creating an environment where everyone feels valued, appreciated, and respected.