9 Ways to Connect Employees and Bring them Together

Many people think that higher pay and perks—like paid lunches—are directly related to job satisfaction. In fact, it is the interconnections that are an important predictor of whether someone will be happy, healthy, and successful at work. Authentic company relationships can help create a more engaged and productive workforce. While sometimes these relationships develop naturally during regular work, other times they require a bit of a push. But how exactly can managers work to encourage more connections among their employees?

Working in an office offers a variety of options in terms of layout and atmosphere. Employees often have the option of working in a collaborative, shared space or in a personal space set up specifically for focused work. The office also offers meeting rooms for larger meetings and common areas for casual interactions and breaks.

If the goal is to become more connected to others in the workplace, how does the company achieve it? Implement the following strategies—as time and budget allow—to make the entire workplace more connected.

1. Get to Know Your Employees on a Personal Level

People who are employed in leadership roles should make an effort to get to know employees who work in different positions in the company. Of course, acquaintances are not limited to the workplace – managers can also get to know their colleagues and employees on a more personal level – perhaps asking them about their hobbies or their family. This is the only way employees will be able to trust them later.

2. Make the Office a Comfortable Space

The workplace should be a place where everyone feels safe and can create without bullying or harassment. Some companies actually encourage a family atmosphere – this can be perceived as a negative by certain individuals, though, especially if the employee comes from a family environment where they do not feel safe. Encourage employees to treat everyone with dignity and respect. Regular sharing of personal and business stories and anecdotes can also create a personal tone in the workplace.

3. Prioritise Employee Interaction

A warm working environment that actively supports the connection between employees promotes their satisfaction. Successful companies prioritise engagement and create opportunities for employees to interact and work with other team members. Group projects, team building, internal committees and shared goals can help foster an environment where employees collaborate with others and develop stronger connections.

4. Leverage Technology to Improve Communication

It’s important to remember that companies can leverage technology to enhance human interaction, but it cannot replace the latter. The system can email or text a manager and help them connect with their team by prompting them with snippets of information such as birthdays, work anniversaries or public holidays. Paying attention to such days will make employees feel much more appreciated.

5. Provide Spaces for Socialising During Breaks

Provide social spaces where employees can gather during breaks to play board games, eat or simply get away from stressful tasks. Employees can use these short breaks to build relationships with co-workers, meet newcomers, and recharge themselves to be more productive after the break itself. Employees who form bonds with their co-workers often strengthen their loyalty to the company.

6. Maintain the Flow of Information in the Company

In your company, always ensure that information moves through the company. Information should flow both top-down and bottom-up. Employees should be encouraged to ask questions and provide feedback to managers. Likewise, the manager must encourage discussions among employees, especially when they participate in larger projects. This same information should also be accessible in the office, at home and on the go. A Facebook or Whatsapp group can also help with this, where you can share information, important news, regular historical photo contributions with each other…

7. Host Regular Social Events for Employees

If the goal is to create a connected workplace that functions more like a community, then relationships between employees must go beyond normal working hours. Plan regular social events for employees. The type and themes of these events may vary, especially if they take place in a specific part of the year, such as the New Year holidays.

During the year, it is good to hold at least one event where the company can celebrate the efforts of individual employees and the team. You can also give employees a small gift at these events to show your appreciation for their hard work.

8. Values ​​Should Be in the Foreground

Find ways to help your employees understand, remember and practice your company’s core values. Link these values ​​to behaviour, camaraderie, and performance. This type of internal communication strategy, which is based on the fundamental values ​​of an individual company, also consists of a detailed induction of new employees, as this is the only way they can learn and understand certain values ​​and act in accordance with them.

9. Let Everyone Get a Word In

Help each member of your team contribute and stay connected. Make it easy for dispersed group members to be part of the conversation. Even if some of your employees aren’t the biggest fans of social interactions, you can help them get the word out with online surveys and polls to gather feedback and insights. Asking staff for opinions and suggestions makes their culture more vibrant and employees insist on talking.