The Power of Connection

Last week at an event I shared my keynote: Courageous Leadership In The Modern World. After the event I had a few questions about something I'd spoken about. It was that the new era of leadership is more than engagement, leaders need to be focusing on connection.

You've probably been hearing for years the importance of staff engagement. There's engagement surveys, engagement implementation plans, engagement KPIs and possibly engagement morning teas etc.

More recently, and what I've been been discussing with my clients, is that engagement is no longer enough. Engagement is ensuring there's work that matters. While having work that matters is important, there's more to it. What people are really seeking, now and into the future is that they belong within their team, and business. They feel accepted. And that they matter.

You have probably heard the ol' 'everyone is replaceable', to have a truly connected workplace, we need to understand the brilliance that individuality brings to a team, that each and every one within the business does matter, is seen, and feels important. .

In order to create a thriving workplace that can survive the next 3-5 years (and beyond), it is essential to cultivate a culture of connection. The human element. And by that I mean creating a culture of belonging and mattering.

When employees feel connected to their work and to their colleagues, they are more likely to be engaged and productive. Additionally, a culture of connection fosters innovation and creativity.

Benefits of a Culture of Connection There are numerous benefits to creating a culture of connection in the workplace. First and foremost, when employees feel like they belong, they are more likely to be engaged and productive. Additionally, a culture of connection fosters innovation and creativity. Here are some additional benefits of cultivating connection in the workplace: 1. Increased employee retention: When employees feel connected to their work and to their colleagues, they are more likely to stick around (yes pease!). Employee turnover is expensive, not to mention the loss of knowledge and disruption to BAU, so reducing turnover is top priority right now. 2. Improved communication: A culture of connection encourages open communication between employees and leaders. This improved communication leads to better understanding and collaboration among team members, and across streams. 3. Greater job satisfaction: Employees who feel like they belong are more likely to be satisfied with their jobs. A strong sense of connection is associated with increased satisfaction in all areas of life, not just work. 4. Enhanced well-being: A workplace of connection has been linked with enhanced well-being in employees. Studies have shown that employees who feel like they belong are more likely to report higher levels of physical and mental health.

Creating a culture of connection, belonging and mattering in the workplace has numerous benefits for both employees, leaders and employers alike. When employees feel connected to their work and their colleagues, they are more likely to be engaged and productive. Additionally, a culture of connection enhances communication, collaboration, retention rates, job satisfaction, and employee well-being. Implementing policies and practices that foster a sense of connection can go a long way towards creating a thriving workplace. If you're looking to create a more connected workplace where your people feel like they belong and that they matter, book in a complimentary chat to see where the opportunities are for you to create this.

Until next time, Eat the Frog, Get the Bird, Be the Worm, and start looking at where you can create connection, belonging and mattering.