Ask anyone, and they will tell you that a fulfilling professional life depends on being able to build and nurture workplace connections. These connections are like magic, bringing together diverse people to create a strong and productive team. Employees are spending a significant portion of their lives at work, and the quality of their professional relationships can profoundly affect their well-being and productivity. Beyond the daily tasks and deadlines, it's the relationships we forge with our colleagues that often define our experiences in the workplace. Having connections not only contributes to a happier work environment but also plays a pivotal role in enhancing productivity and employee engagement. Imagine starting a new job, and feeling the initial jitters as you step into a room full of strangers. Icebreakers, those clever and fun conversation starters, are your lifeline. They bridge the gap between awkward silences and meaningful exchanges, setting the stage for enduring bonds.
This article talks about why workplace connections are important and how they affect your well-being and productivity. We'll give you practical tips and fun activities to help you build connections at work. We'll also share ways to keep employees engaged, create a sense of community, organize workshops, network, and brainstorm. Let's explore workplace connections and how they can boost productivity.
Human connections are compelling, but they are often underutilized in the workplace. According to a study by BetterUp, 43% of people do not feel connected with their coworkers at work. A person's sense of belonging at work is directly related to the work relationships they cultivate. People build relationships based on shared experiences, interests, and values. By encouraging employees to think outside the box and come up with creative strategies to build connections, organizations can create an environment of collaboration and belonging, which can lead to higher employee engagement and productivity. We'll discuss effective strategies for building connections at work, but first, let's examine why they're so important.
1. Enhanced Employee Well-being
A connected workplace is a happier workplace. When employees feel a sense of belonging and camaraderie with their colleagues, it has a positive impact on their mental and emotional well-being. This, in turn, reduces stress levels and contributes to an overall healthier work environment.
2. Improved Productivity
Teams that work well together are more likely to achieve their goals efficiently. Effective communication and collaboration, which are fostered through workplace connections, are essential for solving problems, sharing ideas, and completing projects successfully.
3. Increased Employee Engagement
Engaged employees are more committed to their work and the organization as a whole. Building connections at work can boost employee engagement by creating a sense of purpose and motivation among the workforce.
Imagine commencing a new job, where you may feel initial apprehension as you enter a room filled with unfamiliar faces. Icebreakers, those clever and enjoyable conversation starters, serve as your lifeline in such situations. They bridge the gap between awkward silences and pave the way for meaningful conversations. One of the best ways to kickstart workplace connections is through icebreakers and fun activities. These activities can help break down initial barriers and create a relaxed atmosphere where colleagues can get to know each other on a personal level.
Fun Activities:
Icebreaker Ideas:
Team-building exercises have evolved far beyond friendship circles and trust falls. They now involve immersive experiences, such as escape rooms and adventure challenges, crafted to assess problem-solving skills, communication, and adaptability. These activities not only bolster networking but also forge connections that extend well beyond the confines of the exercise. They are designed to strengthen the bonds between team members.
Team-Building Exercise Ideas:
Organizing workshops on various topics can be an effective way to build connections at work. These workshops can focus on professional development, personal growth, or even hobbies and interests shared by employees.
Workshop Ideas:
Networking is not limited to external events; it can also happen within the organization. Encourage employees to network with colleagues from different departments or teams to gain new perspectives and insights.
Networking Strategies:
Creative brainstorming sessions provide a platform for employees to share their ideas and contribute to problem-solving. These sessions can lead to innovative solutions and also foster a sense of involvement and connection.
Brainstorming Session Tips:
We spoke to Ty Hoesgen – a top communications coach, #1 best-selling author, and the Founder of Advanced Growth Institute. He helps professionals from around the world communicate with confidence, charisma, and clarity — so they can get more respect, become stronger leaders, and advance their careers. He shares his simple yet powerful verbal and non-verbal ways of improving workplace relationships.
Send Ty a message on your favorite platform — he’d love to hear from you! Follow Ty on Instagram | Connect on LinkedIn
“How are you?”
“I’m good. How are you?”
“Pretty good.”
“That’s good.”
How many of those kinds of interactions have you had in your life? Probably a lot. Did you feel more connected to the person afterward? Probably not. Did you particularly enjoy that exchange? Unlikely.
If you want to have better conversations, you need to ask better questions. It’s best if these questions avoid negative topics. There’s nothing worse than asking someone about their day and then listening to them complain for 5 minutes straight.
Quick Connection Conversation Starters
If you’re intentional with the questions you ask, you can create positive feelings in the other person and increase the level of connection.
Here are some of my favorite questions to ask:
By getting the other person to think and speak about positive things, you’re giving them a gift—you’re putting them in a better mood. You’re enhancing their state of mind because they get to talk about something that makes them happy or excited. And as a bonus, these types of conversations are more enjoyable for you as well.
These phrases come from my popular video course, How to be Instantly Likable to Fast-Track Your Success, which you can get for free at https://www.instantlikability.com/ Each phrase is proven to work extremely well when it comes to building relationships and increasing your connection with the other person.
“That is really interesting.”
Everyone likes to feel interesting, and we like hearing from others that what we’re talking about is interesting. No one wants to be considered boring, so telling a person that they’re interesting is extremely validating and satisfying.
“Could I get your advice on something?”
People love to know that their opinion is respected and that others value their perspectives. When you ask for someone’s advice or their thoughts on something you need help with, they feel more connected to you because it shows you care about them and their ideas.
“Thank you” or “I appreciate you.”
Any version of gratitude goes a long way when it comes to building connections. If you can find something genuine to thank them for, always do it! You can thank them for their time, their advice, or for the work they do.
Body language plays a major role in our communication, and there are powerful nonverbal cues you can start doing (and stop doing) that impact the level of connection you feel with another person. Everything mentioned below is backed by science.
Eyes, Eyes, Baby
If you want people to feel connected, eyes are just the thing for you. Making eye contact is one of the easiest science-backed ways to improve your connections with others and build stronger relationships with them.
Best Practices
Eye Contact on Video Calls
Body Language for Connection
Open body language sends subconscious signals to the other person that you’re relaxed, receptive, and most importantly—open to connecting. Here’s what to do with your body language to increase connection and give off the best impression:
Body Language Cues to Avoid
Closed body language sends subconscious signals to the other person that you’re distant, defensive, and most importantly—closed off from connecting. These are the body language cues you want to avoid:
In a world where technology often blurs the lines of human interaction, the value of building connections at work continues to hold true. As you embark on your journey to create a more connected workplace, remember that creativity is your greatest ally. Infuse creativity into your engagement strategies to witness the transformation of your workplace into a thriving hub of collaboration and support. Be a part of the conversation on our social media and unleash the magic of workplace connections!
