Human connectivity plays a pivotal role in the employee experience. In the era of remote and digital workplaces, fostering a sense of social connection is crucial for building trust and wellbeing within teams.

Practical Ways to Promote Human Connectivity

Organizations can take various steps to enhance human connectivity, such as:

• Celebrating personal milestones and getting to know colleagues beyond their work roles.
• Assigning onboarding buddies to new team members.
• Organizing lunch-and-learn sessions and setting up interest-based communities.
• Encouraging open feedback, team-building activities, and regular one-on-one interactions.

Inspiration from Successful Companies

Several companies have effectively enhanced human connection:

• Geckoboard focuses on community building through regular meet-ups and social events.
• Staffordshire University emphasizes open communication, allowing staff to contribute ideas and connect.
• Woodie’s connects employees through recognitions and celebrations.
• CluneTech maintains connectivity across diverse locations by celebrating achievements and sharing company values.
• Buffer and HubSpot foster a culture of transparency and inclusiveness, ensuring every voice is heard.

Immediate Steps to Foster Human Connection

To immediately improve human connections:

1. Encourage Open Collaboration: Create spaces for casual conversations, and inspire proactive involvement in collaborative activities like team lunches or game nights.
2. Hire Compassionate and Empathetic Individuals: Look for candidates with strong social skills and emotional intelligence, essential for building team connections.
3. Develop Soft Skills: Identify and develop missing skills among employees, focusing on aspects like conversation initiation, active listening, and helping colleagues.
4. Create Spaces for Shared Interests: Encourage bonding over hobbies or interests to boost morale and teamwork.

Strategies to Enhance Workplace Human Connectivity

1. Encourage Understanding and Empathy: Simple acts like informal chats, shadowing sessions, and sharing project excitement can foster organic, meaningful connections over time .
2. Recognize the Importance of Connection: Connected employees, aligned with their company’s values and mission, are more likely to be engaged and passionate, becoming culture champions within the organization. However, connection should not be forced but rather encouraged in a natural and adaptable manner .
3. Adapt and Engage Without Pretenses: Avoid boxing employees into specific roles or expectations. Instead, adapt to their fluctuating interests and encourage frequent, genuine interactions to support their engagement and work satisfaction.

What to Avoid in Building Human Connections

Avoid forcing connections, as each team has unique dynamics. Quality interactions, rather than quantity, are vital. Additionally, fostering teamwork and collaboration through cross-functional projects and shared goals is crucial.

Starting Point for HR Professionals

Begin by integrating these strategies into your employee experience and internal communication plans. Create a culture where every employee feels empowered to express themselves and collaborate openly.

To discover more about enhancing human connectivity in your workplace and to see how OOt Social Health can assist, visit www.oot.live for further insights and solutions.