The Importance of Genuine Connections in Today’s Digital Age

In an era where digital interactions often overshadow face-to-face connections, the importance of genuine, real-world engagement has become more pronounced. Despite the convenience of digital communication, it can lack the depth and emotional richness of in-person interactions, which are crucial for building strong relationships and fostering a sense of community. This piece explores the significance of nurturing genuine connections and how they can positively impact our personal lives, workplaces, and broader society.

Why does connection matter?

• Mental Health and Well-being: A study published in the “Journal of Health and Social Behavior” found that individuals with strong social ties had better mental health outcomes than those with weaker ties. This research suggests that meaningful interpersonal relationships can act as a buffer against stress and contribute to overall psychological well-being (Umberson, D., & Montez, J. K. (2010). Social relationships and health: A flashpoint for health policy. Journal of Health and Social Behavior, 51(S), S54-S66.).
• Professional Success: Harvard Business Review highlights the importance of strong interpersonal relationships in the workplace, noting that such connections can lead to better collaboration, increased job satisfaction, and higher productivity. The article emphasizes that teams with strong social bonds often outperform those without them, underscoring the link between social connections and professional success (Hansen, M. T. (2009). Collaboration: How leaders avoid the traps, create unity, and reap big results. Harvard Business Press.).
• Community Engagement: The Pew Research Center’s reports on social and demographic trends indicate that individuals who are actively engaged in their communities tend to report higher levels of well-being. These findings highlight the role of social connections in fostering a sense of belonging and encouraging civic participation, which in turn contributes to the overall health and resilience of communities (Pew Research Center. (2018). The State of American Neighborhoods and Communities. Pew Social & Demographic Trends.).

Workplace Cultures Contribute to Employee Engagement

In today's professional setting, the blend of online platforms with real, human connections is reshaping how we work and interact. Take Stripe, a technology company and a financial services company, which holds a deep-seated belief in flexibility. "Prior to the pandemic, approximately 20% of their workforce operated remotely, a figure that has now surged to between 30% and 40%." Co-founder John Collison suggests that, ideally, a team of 14 people include 7 individuals based in the office and 7 remote individuals, to ensure critical office context. "Increased productivity and a boost in overall happiness have been observed, thanks to improved asynchronous work, streamlined task distribution, and enhanced socialization." (The Financial Technology Report Article , Nov 2 2023)

Similarly, Slack and Microsoft Teams, as platforms, play a pivotal role in this dynamic. These are not only tools for managing projects and messaging updates; it's a virtual space where teams can share life moments, laugh through GIFs and emojis, then bond over recognition highlights and share industry news articles. With the right behaviors, these platforms can foster a sense of community and closeness amongst team members who never meet in person.

Translating Personal Insights into Actionable Ideas

Now back from a few months of digital hibernation, after focusing on in person time with family and friends, I'm eager to share these moments beyond the screen. There's a lot to be said for taking time away from the daily bustle and to sit with the present moment in peace.

For Individuals:

• Explore New Hobbies: Trying bouldering ? tested my nerves when climbing higher and higher up the wall (not a fan of heights ??). Yet by focusing on the play and fun of learning something for the first time, I was able to manage my breathing and reach the top of the climbing wall. I encourage you to step out of your comfort zone and sign up for a new hobby, even better to recruit someone to join you.
• Be Whisked Away by Curiosity: Taking a genuine interest in what our friends enjoy can open our own eyes to the world around us. Little did I realize how much I'd be inspired by touring Frey House II during the Palm Springs Modernism Week, rapturously listening to friends respond to a Hot Wings Challenge question, and the sheer joy of waving to the Hermosa St. Patrick's Day Parade participants. Look for local events in your area—be it a cultural festival, a community parade, or an art exhibit—and connect with your community and its history.

For Workplaces:

• Broaden your Skills & Knowledge: Feathering, aggregation, 5 Coffee Waves, and microfoams were a few of the topics covered during the Chapman University Coffee, Tea, and Creamers Workshop. Leaning in the experience without expectations, letting your imagination sore, and involving your vocal tone as well as timing of delivery were all a part of the Groundlings Improv School teachings.
• Encourage Participation in Industry Committees or Groups: Ever wondered how organizations curate their annual meeting program? In awe of the incredible IFT staff and AMSPAP Committee members who debated, challenged, supported, and envisioned an excellent program. Joining industry-specific workgroups has broadened my professional network and brought fresh perspectives back to my work team. Highly recommend getting involved, your future self thanks you!

For Communities:

• Support Local Businesses: Going to that local poke shop everyone's been raving about or attending an estate sale in a new part of town exposes you to the current zeitgeist, gives topics for future conversations when someone asks "How are you?" while also keeping dollars within the local community.
• Attend Business Expos & Community Events: Simple Ingredients, Unsweetened beverages, Vegan takes on mac n' cheese classics, and sustainability stories were a few of the takeaways from Natural Products Expo West. These events can serve as platforms for local businesses to showcase their products while fostering a sense of community around shared values of health and environmental stewardship.

During this break, I also set a personal goal: to spend four consecutive hours without my phone each day for the first 3 months of 2024. This intention was about becoming more present with the world around me and the people in it, as well as observing my engrained habits. Here's what I found:

• The habit of reaching for my phone was just that, a habit. I'd have a question that came to mind, or something I "needed to do" and historically I would have reached for the phone to look it up. Then 30 minutes later find myself on something else entirely. I'm now more aware of how easy it is to get distracted in the black box and make a conscious point to remind myself when to step away.
• These phone-free hours led to pulling out old recipe books, savoring good reads in the morning, and longer walks outside with my dog. Now when the dog inevitably starts pawing at my hand, it's only because there was a brief pause in the constant barrage of scratches.

Building a More Connected World

In a time when technology continues to advance at a rapid pace, it’s essential to remember the irreplaceable value of human connections. By making a conscious effort to foster genuine relationships in our personal lives, workplaces, and communities, we can build a more connected, empathetic, and resilient society, with and without technology.

Now I'd love to hear from you, How have you connected with those in your community recently?

It's good to be back, and I'm looking forward to catching up with all of you. Keep me posted if you're traveling through the So Cal area or attending the IFT FIRST Annual Meeting in Chicago.