6 Ways to Improve Connections with Employees in 2024
6 Effective Ways to Create a More Connected Workplace in 2024
1. Foster Open Communication
According to Forbes, more than 45% of employees report poor communication impacts their trust in both leadership and their team. This underscores the importance of fostering transparent and open dialogue in the workplace.
Encouraging transparent and open communication to build employee trust and improve their connections. Focus on manager-directed communication. Equip managers with the skills to have meaningful conversations with their teams. Use surveys, pulse checks, and one-on-one meetings to gather regular employee feedback.
2. Prioritize Employee Well-Being
The lines between work and life are increasingly blurred in the digital age. Companies must take concrete steps to promote work-life balance and prioritize mental health. A study by Deloitte found that 85% of organizations view employee well-being as a very important priority.
Organizations should go beyond traditional benefits and offer robust mental health support and resources. Promote a healthy work-life balance by encouraging employees to take breaks, disconnect after hours, and utilize vacation time. Provide mental health support and resources. Offer access to counseling services, mindfulness programs, and stress management tools. Invest in wellness programs and initiatives by incorporating physical activity, healthy eating habits, and overall well-being through workshops and challenges. Small actions like cutting unnecessary meetings and email after working hours make a difference.
3. Recognition and Appreciation
Acknowledging achievements and milestones is crucial for building a positive and motivating work environment. A well-designed employee recognition program not only boosts morale but also contributes to creating a strong workplace culture. In a survey conducted by Achievers, 82% of employees wish they received more recognition for their work.
Publicly recognize outstanding contributions and team efforts. Create a positive and motivating work environment by celebrating birthdays, anniversaries, team wins, and personal achievements. Connect employees through Employee Resource Groups (ERGs) as they foster a sense of belonging and allow employees to connect with colleagues with similar interests or backgrounds.
4. Professional Development Opportunities
LinkedIn’s Workplace Learning Report states that 94% of employees would stay at a company longer if it invested in their career development. Also, studies show that a company would be more appealing to 76% of employees if it offered additional skills training to those working there.
Investing in career development directly strengthens the employer-employee relationship. Offer access to training programs, online courses, and skills certifications to help employees stay ahead of the curve. Pair experienced employees with newcomers to facilitate mentorship and coaching initiatives and foster knowledge-sharing and career guidance. Support employees in exploring new skills and interests within the organization. Equip them with the knowledge and skills to effectively utilize the latest technologies such as Generative AI in their work.
5. Team-Building Activities
Organizing team-building events and retreats is a tried-and-true method for strengthening bonds among team members. Incorporating fun and engaging activities breaks the monotony of work and contributes to building lasting connections. Organize virtual and in-person team-building events. 50% of the positive changes in communication patterns within a workplace can be attributed to positive social interaction through team-building activities, according to Harvard Business Review.
The engaging activities can range from online games and trivia nights to collaborative projects and volunteering opportunities. Foster a sense of community through virtual happy hours, online social events, and casual games.
6. Regular Check-ins and Surveys
Regular check-ins and surveys with employees are invaluable approaches for fostering a positive work environment and ensuring strong employee connections. By consistently soliciting feedback and addressing concerns promptly, organizations demonstrate their commitment to employee well-being and engagement. These check-ins provide an opportunity for employees to voice their opinions, contributing to a culture of open communication and trust in the employers and colleagues. According to the Achievers Workforce Institute, 58% of employees want more frequent engagement surveys from their employers. Through these practices, employees can cultivate stronger relationships with one another, leading to greater collaboration, camaraderie, and ultimately, improved team performance.
PeopleOne: Transforming Connections
Investing in employee connections isn’t just the right thing to do; it’s the smart thing to do. PeopleOne, a comprehensive modern intranet, can help you implement all the key strategies by providing tools and resources for communication, employee engagement, recognition, and learning and development. With PeopleOne, you can create a connected and engaged workforce ready to thrive in 2024 and beyond.
