The Power of Human Connection in the Corporate World

Randy was the VP of Marketing for a large healthcare company in Buffalo, NY, a city known for its heavy snowfall. Randy’s team was under immense pressure to complete a high-profile project with an unforgiving deadline, and he was pushing them day in and day out to get the job done. 

One afternoon, the team was so committed to finishing the assignment that they didn’t notice the blizzard raging outside. Situated in a windowless conference room, they were oblivious to the winter chaos until a security guard informed them of a driving ban, forcing them to spend the night after a grueling 10-hour workday.

Initially, Randy wanted to use this situation to finish the project—a perfect opportunity, right? However, as he looked around the room, he realized his team was exhausted. So, instead of pushing for more work, Randy opted for quality human connection time. 

As the night went on, the team members shared their personal stories, revealing what motivated them, professionally and personally. Randy discovered things about his staff he never knew and later let these facts fuel his leadership style. His newfound revelations transformed his department's performance and engagement metrics—from the worst to second in the organization. 

In the midst of a raging storm, literally and figuratively, Randy discovered something that most corporate workers never will: human connection is the catalyst for enhanced performance.

What is Human Connection (and Why is It Important?)

According to a study I recently conducted called The State of Workplace Busyness, 67% of working individuals feel they have lost their sense of purpose and value alignment, and 65% of people struggle to maintain meaningful connections in and out of the workplace due to their overarching busyness.

Yet establishing these connections leads to improved teamwork, greater job satisfaction, and lower turnover rates. So, where are we going wrong?

Human connection is the backbone of organizational success. Despite living in a world where we are electronically connected around the clock, we often overlook the importance of cultivating meaningful relationships. Revealing what truly matters and what motivates people helps connections move past mere digital interactions. 

But human connection is more than just interaction; it’s about forming genuine bonds that promote trust and understanding. It involves connecting humans on a deeper level, enhancing emotional intelligence, and building meaningful and productive relationships.

Active Listening and Effective Communication

Poor communication is a significant mental health stressor in the workplace, with 50% of employees admitting it increases their anxiety levels, according to the Grammarly 2024 State of Business Communication report. Effective communication requires clarity and conciseness, using "I" statements to express feelings, and avoiding assumptions.

Similarly, active listening is a cornerstone of relationship building. It involves maintaining eye contact, giving full attention to the speaker, avoiding interruptions, and reflecting on what you hear. Asking open-ended questions further facilitates understanding, as well.

Empathy and Understanding

Empathy involves putting yourself in others' shoes and validating others' feelings without compromising your own. But how can you do this while maintaining a professional persona?

In my own experience managing a customer service department, spending a week in my team’s roles opened my eyes to their challenges and fostered empathy. 

Similarly, at United Health, dedicating time to discuss employees' challenges at the end of meetings helped build meaningful discussions that led to effective solutions that added value for the entire team. 

The result was that people felt heard regarding issues that stymied productivity and what was truly important to them. This also helped them eliminate the roadblocks that keep a workforce engaged and satisfied. 

In one instance, an employee’s child was diagnosed with cancer, requiring more time off than she had. By collaborating with HR, we arranged for other employees to donate their sick days, showcasing compassion and support for her.

Authenticity and Trust-Building

Being an authentic leader of your team means being open and honest in your interactions. Vulnerability is the key to trust; admitting mistakes and learning from them can inspire others to do the same. Transparency makes people feel safe coming to you with challenges, questions, and celebrations – all important aspects of a working environment. When people begin to trust you, correspondence and collaborations become much smoother, more productive, and enjoyable. 

Another way to build trust is to be open-minded to diversity and different perspectives. Giving everyone the floor to share their ideas encourages creativity and may provide viewpoints and solutions you would never have considered on your own. 

Embracing Human Connection in the Workplace

According to a study by Enboarder, 94% of employees are more productive when they feel connected to their colleagues, and they are half as likely to leave their jobs. Connection is foundational for mental, physical, and organizational health. Embracing human connection in the workplace will enhance productivity and build a more inclusive and supportive environment where employees feel valued and motivated to do their best.

Ready to learn more about the importance of human connection? The State of Workplace Busyness is a free download that provides an in-depth understanding of 21 life and work habits, identifying where your team spends most of its time and energy. Click here to download the report. 

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