Most of us spend a lot of time at work. Unfortunately, sometimes people get so focused on the tasks at hand, that building connections with other co-workers isn’t a priority. However, creating a more connected workplace has great benefits. It creates a sense of belonging, which often leads to greater employee satisfaction, better customer experiences, and ultimately, a bolstered bottom line. Here are some tips on how to connect your employees in meaningful ways.
#1: Put an emphasis on team building.
Co-workers, managers, and human resource personnel should be encouraged to get to know each other. Set aside time regularly to facilitate this. Maybe it’s through once-a-month end-of-work happy hours or Zoom game nights, forming a book club, or hosting team building events. Find creative ways that allow your employees to share a little bit about who they are in a fun social environment, so you can build relationships and foster loyalty.
#2: Recognize them.
What ways can you show your employees that you care about them and appreciate a job well done? Perhaps it is with regular bonuses or acknowledging them on their respective birthdays. Maybe it’s leaving a ‘suggestion box’ in the office or sending out company culture surveys. If your team is still working primarily from home, or you have a hybrid work from home model going, consider how you can make them more comfortable at home. Consider providing a new comfortable office chair at no cost for them or providing lunch delivery to their doorstep regularly.
#3: Encourage open conversations.
If your employees know that they can talk to you about an issue, idea, or concern, this will forge stronger connections. Make sure they know where to go and who to talk to if they have a specific human resources concern. Give your employees a voice and let them share their ideas. If they feel listened to and ‘seen’, they will likely feel motivated to do their best work.
Treating your employees with kindness and respect, while taking the time to get to know them on a human level goes a long way. Your employees are your greatest asset and connecting to them will not only benefit you and your team, but your company, too.