Cut the Transactions: Building Meaningful Relationships at Work

Have you noticed how often relationships at work feel, well, transactional? 

Quick emails, meetings packed with agendas, and checklists overwhelm our days. It’s no surprise that work can sometimes feel isolating and even draining. While these fast-paced interactions keep the ball rolling at work, they rarely give us purpose to connect with each other. 

The truth is, as humans, we aren’t built to thrive in transactional environments. We crave connection—a sense of being seen, valued, and part of something meaningful. And here’s why fostering real human connection is so important to the success of your team..

Human connection is the secret ingredient behind trust, innovation, and productive collaboration. These relationships are those in which people matter as much as outcomes. They’re rooted in honest communication, shared values, and the understanding that work is about more than deadlines.

What is a Transactional Relationship?

Think of a transactional relationship as a quick exchange. It’s like trading a dollar for a cup of coffee: short-term, focused on a set goal, and driven by the need to get something done as efficiently as possible.

I remember a time early in my career when transactional relationships dominated my workday. It seemed so productive: quick emails, task-focused updates, and “drive-through” problem-solving. And on the surface, it worked… until it didn’t. Over time, I noticed burnout creeping in. Without meaningful relationships to ground us, transactional communication feels empty.

There are some benefits, of course. Transactional relationships provide clarity, efficiency, and flexibility to handle quick pivots. However, they often lack the emotional investment that makes work fulfilling for employees. They can encourage competition instead of collaboration—and when trust is absent, even minor challenges often spiral into more significant problems.

Here’s a truth I learned the hard way: task-focused exchanges may lead to compliance, but they won’t create genuine commitment or unlock anyone’s full potential. 

Relationships in a Corporate Setting

Here’s something I tell every workplace I visit—companies aren’t sustained by policies or profits alone; they’re built on people. And when the team feels connected, magic happens.

Data backs this up. According to research from Enboarder.com, employees who feel connected thrive across the board. Ninety-four percent of surveyed employees said they’re more productive when they feel connected to their colleagues. Ninety-six percent of connected employees were satisfied with their role, compared to only 60% of those who felt disconnected.

Connection also impacts retention. Almost half of connected employees (49%) expect to stay in their roles for five years or more, compared to just 34% of disconnected employees.

Connection doesn’t just make people happier—it makes them stay, engage, and succeed at work.

Why Do Work Relationships Matter?

When I talk about building connection at work, I’m talking about leading with trust, empathy, and shared values. It’s about creating an environment where people feel they matter—not just their tasks.

I remember pivoting to this approach when I noticed growing tension and disengagement among my nonprofit team. Instead of focusing on who wasn’t meeting metrics or what deadlines were slipping, I stepped back and asked, “How are we really doing?” That shift from results-driven to connection-driven led to honest conversations and reinvigorated the team.

Human connection creates a safety net. It builds trust, encourages cooperation, and gives people a reason to show up beyond being paid. Real connection fosters innovation because people feel safe to share their “crazy” ideas. And stronger relationships create supportive teams where problems are solved together, not in silos.

I once worked with Sarah, who felt isolated and disengaged at work. Although her goals were met, she dreaded every meeting. Everything changed when her supervisor began fostering better communication and showing curiosity about her ideas. Sarah became more enthusiastic, creative, and willing to lead. 

From Transactional to Connection-Driven – Building Bridges at Work

Transitioning from transactional exchanges to environments that value connection doesn’t happen overnight, but the process is entirely achievable with the right steps.

1. Practice Open and Empathetic Communication

Start by having conversations that prioritize understanding over solutions. Managers can model this by asking open-ended questions like, “What matters most to you?” or “How can I better support you?” Listening to people’s answers—not just their tasks—shows respect and lets them feel valued.

2. Create Spaces for Bonds to Form

Sometimes, relationships just need space to grow. Create opportunities for people to share moments of joy or humor beyond job requirements.

Collaborative tools like Slack or Microsoft Teams can be used not just for deadlines but also for creating a light-hearted team culture. Exchanges like “share a funny pet picture” on a bulletin board and team-building activities also work wonders. 

(And take it from me: Never underestimate the power of a group hokey pokey—it sounds silly, but playfulness can open up even the most reserved teams!)

3. Celebrate Team Contributions

Prioritize collaboration instead of fostering competition. Whether it’s giving small shoutouts at meetings or publicly recognizing team achievements, celebrate group wins just as much as individual accomplishments. This will remind everyone that they’re working together for a shared purpose.

4. Stay Grounded in Shared Values

The best way to build strong connections is to align every interaction with your organization’s values. Whatever your core beliefs are, give employees the opportunity to align their daily tasks to deeper principles with themselves and each other.

It’s Time to Choose Connection Over Transactional

Are you ready to create a workplace where connection fuels productivity and happiness? Let's work together! Through my corporate workshops, we’ll uncover simple, practical ways to strengthen your team, boost engagement, and bring more meaning (and less mayhem) to both work and life. Contact me today, and let’s start building a team dynamic where everyone thrives together. 

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