The last twelve months have seen significant changes in the way we interact at work.
Less often do we pass a colleague in the hall and spontaneously ask about their project, chat in the coffee line or spy something
interesting on the printer.
Remote and hybrid working are diminishing those incidental collisions that build culture and drive innovation, eroding what is known as social capital.
How does this impact the organisation and what can be done?
FREE REPORT: 16 ideas to build connection
“Without hallway conversations, chance encounters and small talk over coffee, it’s hard to feel connected to my immediate team, much less build meaningful connections across the company.”
Hannah McConnaughey, Microsoft
IMPACTS OF SOCIAL DISCONNECTION
Cultural disconnection – or diminished social capital – is a problem for many reasons:
Isolation and mental
health issues
Negative impacts on
staff retention
Difficulties building trust =
less risk-taking
Lack of innovation
Shrinking professional
networks
Leadership difficulties
HYBRID WORK AND THE DIGITAL WORKPLACE
The digital workplace – including the intranet – has a pivotal role in providing tools that help build social capital across the hybrid workplace. A sophisticated digital workplace with seamless technology and processes can be the ultimate tool to keep employees engaged and connected.
Here are 5 ideas to build connection, trust and culture in your organisation:
1. Monthly CEO lunches
Sign up to join the CEO and a group of colleagues for lunch and a chat
4. The daily pulse
Check in with people about how they are feeling with a simple poll, or make it a fun conversation starter
2. Employee spotlight
Celebrate new starters, promotions, qualifications and life events
5. Ideation platform
An easy online form to suggest a new idea, or like and comment on others.
3. Social assistant bot
A proactive digital assistant to find common ground and suggest connections
WANT MORE IDEAS?
Download our new report:
Human Connection and Remote Work
Providing a connected, supportive and creative digital environment
- Defining the problem
- Impacts and challenges
- Important considerations
- 16 ideas to build connection
