The Pew Research Center reports that a majority of employees, specifically 65%, express reduced connection with their colleagues due to the pandemic. Moreover, Cigna's research demonstrates that such disconnection leads to elevated turnover rates, increased absences, diminished productivity, and lower work quality. Astonishingly, this employee disconnection is causing U.S. companies a staggering loss of approximately $406 billion annually. Therefore, leaders of Canadian organizations must explore strategies to foster workplace connections and establish a profound sense of belonging among their employees

Prioritize the Wellbeing of Mental Health

A significant number of young workers in Canada, both at their workplaces and in their personal lives, experience a sense of disconnection. LinkedIn reveals that 66% of Gen Z employees desire a corporate culture that prioritizes mental health and overall well-being. Similarly, Millennials have been advocating for improved mental health benefits since they entered the workforce. Supporting mental well-being in Canadian workplaces can be accomplished through various approaches.

These may include offering competitive compensation and benefits, such as expanded parental leave policies and support groups for employees. Additionally, it involves taking proactive measures to address employee burnout in Canadian organizations, such as implementing days without meetings, designated "do not disturb" hours, and actively encouraging the utilization of vacation days.

Foster a Culture of Regular Workplace Connectivity

The transition to remote and hybrid work has resulted in many Canadian employees experiencing a sense of disconnection. The informal workplace connections that were often made by the water cooler or during spontaneous lunch meetings with colleagues are now less frequent and more challenging to establish in remote or mixed teams. It falls upon leaders of Canadian organizations to create fresh avenues for fostering connections among employees. One approach is to introduce a recurring ritual that brings everyone together.



For instance, a weekly stand-up meeting can be implemented where employees have the opportunity to briefly share something they are grateful for. Another idea is to assign a different employee each week to give a brief presentation on something interesting they have recently learned. Additionally, promoting peer-to-peer connections can be encouraged by providing incentives such as restaurant gift cards to those who invite colleagues from other departments for lunch. The key aspect is ensuring that these opportunities occur on a regular basis. Building friendships and a sense of belonging requires consistent and ongoing connections that develop over time..

Rediscover the Value of Telephonic Communication

Younger employees in Canada may dismiss this suggestion, but it could be beneficial to revive the traditional telephone call. While text and chat serve as convenient tools for quick communication, research indicates that relying too heavily on asynchronous messaging can lead to feelings of disconnection. It may seem that video chat has replaced the need for phone calls, but psychologists have discovered that people are better able to interpret emotional reactions over the phone than through video.

Moreover, phone calls offer the advantage of communication without being tied to a desk or worrying about appearance. In a study on technology-mediated connections, Professor Natalie Pennington and her colleagues found that voice calls were nearly as effective as face-to-face interactions in combatting loneliness. In fact, voice calls even alleviated stress to a greater extent than face-to-face communication. So, the next time you wish to connect with a colleague or employee, consider closing your laptop and reaching for the phone to greet them.