Building Stronger Workplace Connections in a Changing World

Many people are struggling with fractured relationships at work—whether it’s between themselves and their coworkers, leaders, or the company as a whole. We’ve seen this manifest in trends like quiet quitting, the Great Resignation, and a growing sense that the traditional employer-employee contract is broken.

I’ve been diving into the research, and it’s clear that there’s a missing piece in the conversation about workplace connections. The NeuroLeadership Institute (NLI) found that connection in the workplace isn’t just about socializing with coworkers. It’s actually made up of four essential elements: connections with colleagues, leaders, employers, and roles (CLEAR).

Understanding these four kinds of workplace connections offers a path for organizations to create meaningful talent strategies that foster commitment and engagement.

Colleague Connection: Think of a time when you truly enjoyed working with your teammates. It wasn’t just about liking them personally, but about the support you gave each other and the trust you built. This kind of colleague connection is vital, but it’s only one part of the bigger picture.

Leader Connection: A strong leader gives you clarity, feedback, and autonomy. They help you see your potential and provide opportunities for growth. When you feel connected to your leader, it dramatically boosts your engagement at work.

Employer Connection: Have you ever worked for a company that aligned with your values? When your work feels meaningful and connected to the organization’s mission, you’re more likely to be motivated and perform at your best.

Role Connection: When you’re deeply absorbed in your work, feeling challenged and engaged, that’s role connection. It’s about understanding your job, finding satisfaction in it, and knowing how you can grow.

Each of us values these connections differently, and they can change over time based on what’s happening in our lives. Leaders need to adopt a broader, more nuanced view of workplace connections. It’s about creating an environment where all four types of connections can thrive. By doing so, companies can build workplaces where employees feel truly engaged and committed, regardless of where they work.

At JoshuaHartConsulting.com, I help leaders and organizations navigate these challenges, building stronger connections and creating environments that support both employees and business outcomes. Let’s work together to develop strategies that heal the fractures and set your team up for success in this evolving workplace.