As the world of work continues to evolve, creating meaningful connections within teams has never been more important – or more challenging. That’s why we hosted a roundtable with HR Grapevine that brought together people leaders to explore what connection really looks like in today’s workplaces.
Why connection matters
With hybrid and remote working now embedded, spontaneous office conversations and casual catchups are happening less often. In their place, organisations are looking for new ways to foster genuine connection — because the impact is clear.
Connected teams collaborate better, solve problems faster, and support one another. They’re also more resilient and engaged. But despite increasing investment in wellbeing and engagement initiatives, connection often remains the missing link.
Common challenges
The group shared some of the common barriers they’re facing, including:
- Time pressures: Connection-building often takes a back seat to day-to-day priorities.
- Anxiety and confidence: Some employees feel less comfortable engaging, whether in-person or virtually.
- Dispersed teams: Hybrid working and multi-site operations make it harder to maintain connection.
- Leadership buy-in: Some leaders still see connection as optional rather than essential.
What does connection look like now?
There was recognition amongst the group that true connection has to go beyond social interaction — it’s about creating an environment where people feel valued, heard, and able to do their best work.
Key signs of a connected team include:
- Clear communication
- Psychological safety and healthy debate
- Strong collaboration and ownership
- A sense of belonging
On the flip side, when connection breaks down, you see disengagement, misunderstandings, or increased conflict.
What’s helping?
Several practical strategies stood out:
- Cross-functional collaboration helps build relationships beyond immediate teams.
- Interest groups give employees space to connect around shared experiences.
- Regular manager check-ins focused on people, not just tasks, strengthen relationships.
- Intentional onboarding ensures new hires feel connected from day one.
Ultimately, the group agreed that connection must be intentional — woven into everyday work rather than treated as a one-off initiative.
Embedding connection with Thomas Connect
Creating a connected workforce isn’t just about social moments — it’s about building a culture where connection drives collaboration, productivity, and wellbeing. That’s where Thomas Connect can help build stronger relationships, understand one another better, and create more meaningful moments of connection — wherever they’re working.
Discover how Thomas Connect can help strengthen connection in your organisation.
