Free lunches, retreats and mentorship: 5 connection strategies that work

Published Updated 2 Min Read

Group of runners with numbers on shirts; women high-fiving
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Work is much more interesting — and enjoyable — when employees feel connected, and employers reap benefits as well. Luckily, there are lots of proven options that foster relationships in and out of the office

Seven out of ten employees wish they had better connections with coworkers, and 77% consider this an important part of company culture, according to a survey from employee recognition software company, Nectar. Bonding with colleagues also has an impact on retention: Research from BetterUp Labs found that workers with low connection were nearly 40% more likely to quit.  

“In the collaborative advertising industry, proximity is key. Our leadership team has launched the Change Initiative, empowering employees to lead and organize cultural and fun outings like bowling and baseball games, with all costs covered by the company. 

Additionally, our employee-led Culture Committee prioritizes DEI efforts that reflect our values of ownership and authenticity. For example, a team member recently led our participation in the Atlanta Pride Run and Walk 5K. We encourage our team to celebrate communities, movements and heritages that matter to them, focusing on internal efforts rather than formal external organizations.” 

Lee Hafner
Editor

Lee joined the EBN team in 2022, and covers areas including caregiving, employee health and wellness, healthcare innovation, and company culture. She created EBN's popular Benefits in Action and … Read full bio


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