The Connection Cure: Why Workplace Community Matters (article 4 of 8)

What We Mean by ‘Community’ and Why Community Matters

We often think of community as something that happens outside of work—in our neighborhoods, places of worship, and social circles. But whether virtual, hybrid, or in person, we spend most of our waking hours working. And yet, many workplaces lack that fundamental sense of belonging that turns a group of individuals into a community.

At HuWork we view a workplace community as an interconnected web of relationships where employees can build relationships and have a shared purpose. Think about a time when you’ve worked on a team where people had each other’s backs, and how that impacted the way your job felt. This is the difference that true community makes, where you don’t feel like another cog in the machine. You know you’re part of something bigger, and it brings more energy to what you do.

According to Gallup, without a sense of community at work, employees may feel isolated. This leads to decreased engagement, retention, and productivity. Research consistently shows that when employees feel a strong connection to their colleagues and the broader organization, they are more productive, collaborative, and committed to their work.

Unfortunately, in today’s fast-paced, hybrid, and often fragmented work environment, it’s easy to feel disconnected. Keep reading for ideas on how to build a greater sense of community at work, whether you are a Team Leader or Team Member.

🗝️ Key Takeaway: Building connection and community takes intentional effort, and it’s worth it because investing in meaningful relationships makes our workplaces more fulfilling and strengthens team performance.

To read the full article click here.