Community and Connections in the New World of Work
I’ve previously stated that the hybrid workplace is here to stay. Some think it is a short-term phenomenon like working from home during the pandemic. However, there is mounting evidence that employers are making sweeping changes to the way they operate their workplaces.
SAP, the global software company, recently announced that they are adopting a 100% flexible and trust-based work policy. This announcement acknowledges the interests of the employees and SAP’s commitment to their people, “We continue to believe in a workplace based on trust and empowerment because employees are at the heart of what we do.”
Salesforce announced earlier this year that they were transforming the way their employees work. They are offering options to work: flex (or hybrid), fully remote, or office-based. Employee well-being surveys helped Salesforce modify policies and benefits to meet employee needs and also revealed that, “The majority of our employees will go back to the office at least some of the time. And we’ve learned that 80% of our employees are hungry for the connection, camaraderie, and innovation that come from gathering in-person.”
The lack of meaningful social connections can have health consequences. Strong social connections have been shown to be an essential aspect of overall well-being. Whether employees are working remotely or in the office, the need to maintain and nurture connections is paramount.
In This Together
As employers move to new models of work, emphasis will need to be on creating connection and a sense of community for employees.
Employees function as parts of a team. Connection to colleagues is an essential part of how work gets done and how innovation and creativity emerge. Employers such as Salesforce are reimagining their workspaces to create more community hubs and collaboration areas to foster human connection.
Supporting physical space configurations and technology are a great start, but not the only answer to helping create connection. Well-being is enhanced when employees have high quality connections. Research shows that demonstrating compassion and empathy to peers and direct reports can lower stress and improve well-being.
Being Part of Something Big
In a recent conversation with Jim Kerr, one of today’s foremost authorities on leadership and company culture, we talked about creating strong connection and a sense of community in workplaces. As Kerr recommends, “The biggest thing I counsel my clients with right now is to try and make sure that you are pulling people in by providing them with opportunities to work together on projects. It’s not just the basic blocking and tackling of running your business, but also identifying the things that will actually create change that people can get engaged in. I think it’s through that engagement that we forge the community that becomes the glue that holds the company together.”
The types of projects Kerr describes provide employees with the opportunity to bring their unique strengths and skills to the table and to feel a sense of contributing to something innovative and big.
Creating Connection and Community
To foster connection and community in the workplace, employers can focus on the following:
A Greater Purpose. Having a strong company vision and purpose helps employees feel connected to the contribution the organization makes to the world. According to Kerr, “The biggest thing that we can do as leaders is cultivate a culture where staffers feel like they are part of something special, and to articulate a vision that vividly describes where you want to bring your organization.” When employees feel connected to this vision, they are more likely to be actively engaged.
Employee Resource Groups. Known as ERGs or employee affinity groups, these voluntary groups are an effective approach to creating connection and community. They bring employees together around a shared area of interest, such as parenting, race, ethnic origin, sports, or hobbies.
Getting Social. People have been starved for human interaction because of the social distancing put into effect during the pandemic. Encouraging employees to come together socially is a great way to expand personal relationships.
Deepening connections for your workforce not only supports employee well-being, it builds community, creating a workplace where both the organization and employees thrive.
