The Power of a Ritual: How Traditions Help Keep Us Connected
Jessica Grossmeier
International Speaker and Advisor on best practices in workplace well-being and workplace spirituality | Award winning researcher | Author
The Journey: Fostering connection?
When was the last time you sat down with loved ones at the dinner table? According to some studies, only 30% of families eat together regularly, yet these small, simple moments carry more weight than we realize. This season of gathering offers a perfect time to reflect on the rituals that bring us together—whether it's a shared meal, a gratitude practice, or a family tradition that makes the day special. Rituals remind us that these moments of connection are not just enjoyable—they are essential to our well-being.
In today’s fast-paced world, life challenges our sense of balance. Some days feel chaotic, while others blend into monotony. Emerging research shows that rituals—no matter how small—promote mental health, resilience, and connection.
In The Ritual Effect , by Michael Norton reveals that rituals, whether through annual gatherings, birthday traditions, or weekly meals, serve as powerful anchors. Even in strained relationships, rituals foster a stronger sense of connection and satisfaction.
While rituals are often linked to religious traditions, they can also be personal practices that use objects, music, symbols, or words to bring meaning to everyday moments. Think of them as micro-moments of meaning or replenishing routines.?
What Makes a Ritual Meaningful?
In The Power of Ritual (2020), by Casper ter Kuile identifies three essential elements:
7 Steps to Designing a Ritual
While rituals are intentional and require thoughtful preparation to create, they do not need to be overly formal. Kursat Ozenc and Margaret Hagen suggest these practical steps:
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The Road Ahead:?
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About Jessica
Jessica Grossmeier, PhD, MPH is an award-winning researcher, speaker, and author of Reimagining Workplace Well-being . She is a leading voice in workforce well-being and was recently recognized as one of the most influential leaders in health promotion. Jessica currently works with employers and well-being service providers to identify evidence-based practices to support employee well-being and foster a culture of health. Access Jessica’s resources and join her email list, here: jessicagrossmeier.com/resources
Global Operations Executive | Human-Centered Leader | Business and Wellbeing Advisor
5 天前Agree with all of the above, sadly ?? I think about less formal, but ongoing cross functional group meetups during lunch or at the end of day. Great moments to forge deeper connections and bonds. It seems with remote or distance work these are increasingly less frequent, if at all - even though workspaces, ironically, have been designed to facilitate greater engagement and collaboration with access to open spaces!
Global Operations Executive | Human-Centered Leader | Business and Wellbeing Advisor
5 天前Love this post Jessica Grossmeier. It seems getting back to some of our basics, with reflection on the power they have, can do a whole lot of good for many of us!
Mental Health, Wellbeing, Leadership, & Joy of Practice Executive, Educator, and Consultant. Podcaster: Highway to Well with Derek Bell. Owner, LeadWellDB, LLC.
5 天前Jessica Grossmeier love this. This needs a whole book dedicated to this topic. WFH, increased turnover, job hopping, pace of change…. (Want me to keep going), have gutted the place rituals fit in our work (and lives). The anthropologist in me loves seeing where your thread the value of ritual to our wellbeing. The wellness professional in me wants to promote the value of rituals. There’s something significant to our view of work-life that greatly matters here. One of the best posts you’ve had in this sacred space.
Inspiring courageous actions that break down the barriers to wellbeing for people, and our shared world.
5 天前Beautiful summary of such an important concept, Jessica Grossmeier. Thank you! It reminds me of some of the lessons we learned working with our friend and mentor Charles Vogl. Rituals sit as foundation in keeping us grounded to ourselves, to our past, and to each other. They are also a helpful strategy as we look to create and sustain positive change. What new rituals will you embrace in the year ahead?
Ex Head HR Center of Excellence, Escorts Kubota Ltd, Compassion and Positive communication trainer, Speaker, Executive coach, Member-National Council, ISTD, India
5 天前Jessica Grossmeier Very well explained. You made a difficult subject look so simple. Thank you! Does practicing rituals equal practicing good habits? I guess, so…