The Importance of Human Connection to Happiness in the Workplace
Work is often a place we go as a means to an end. There are stressors there, a risk of burnout, and sometimes even “quiet quitting.” It doesn’t have to be this way, though. A workplace that focuses on human contact and team building is more likely to have an atmosphere that fosters friendships, and a workplace with friendships and human connection is much happier, and therefore more productive and interested in meeting goals and staying checked in.
The Link Between Human Connection and Happiness
Human connection refers to a sense of connectedness among team members, where there’s an opportunity for positive interactions and relationships to grow. When the pandemic hit, many who were used to seeing their coworkers every day had to get used to working alone. The 2021 Workplace Friendship and Happiness Survey by Wildgoose illustrates that the workplace has grown lonelier since the pandemic and that 40% of workers would like to have a best friend at work. The same survey also illustrates that 57% of people feel the workplace is more enjoyable with a best friend, 22% say they feel more productive with friends, and 21% say friendship makes them more creative.
Ultimately, it isn’t just nice to have a happy team, it’s very important. It matters to your bottom line, as happier team members mean a more productive workplace. It means less turnover and more creativity and sharing of ideas. A recent Gallup poll found that only 2 out of 10 American workers had a best friend at work, but also that those 20% were the highest performers. Cultivating happiness through human connection in the workplace isn’t just a nice thing to do, it’s a high priority!
Ways to Bring More Human Connection to the Workplace
Forty percent of those surveyed in the Wildgoose study said that face-to-face happy hours were their preferred team-building activity, and most of them also said they prefer team-building activities to take place in person, rather than the virtual equivalent. Having a hybrid, or in-office work schedule can help keep your team connected. If your team prefers the remote option, having in-person meetings from time to time, followed up by a team happy hour is a nice way to keep them interacting in a face-to-face capacity.
Within the workplace, actions like promoting open collaboration, appreciation shoutouts, and organizing social events are all good ways to get the team to talk and interact productively. Foster a more engaged and motivated environment with plenty of open communication and watch just how much of a difference it can make for your bottom line.
Encourage Friendships in the Workplace
Friendships in the workplace pay off for everyone. Employees find a sense of inclusivity and engagement, making work more enjoyable and not just a place they have to go every day. Many feel more motivated, and perform better with friends at work, as well. There are plenty of ways to encourage friendships in the workplace, and your team will be the best at telling you which way they prefer to participate in team-building activities. It may be as simple as a nice breakroom for spending lunch together. Whatever your team’s preference, the idea is to encourage and foster an environment for human connection.
- Marcelo is the heartbeat of Striden. He has over 20 years of experience establishing strong customer partnerships through the development, implementation, and management of outsourced IT, facilities management, and office service solutions. He cares deeply for his team, partners, and clients. His passion for helping others in their careers is foundational to Striden’s people-focused mission.
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