3 Ways to Better Connect with Your Coworkers | The Way We Work, a TED series
Understanding Workplace Disconnection
The Importance of Work Relationships
- Many employees feel disconnected from their organizations, jobs, and colleagues, which can lead to burnout.
- Strong work relationships are crucial for success, innovation, and happiness at work; they provide social support and access to information.
- Research indicates that teams with high levels of trust perform better because members feel safe sharing ideas.
Building Trust in the Workplace
- A "vulnerability loop" concept suggests that being vulnerable encourages others to reciprocate vulnerability, fostering trust.
- Sharing personal challenges (e.g., family issues or project concerns) can enhance team effectiveness by building a supportive environment.
Expanding Your Network: The Role of Weak Ties
- Close friends may not be the best sources for new information; acquaintances often connect us to diverse social circles.
- Social scientists refer to these connections as "weak ties," which are essential for innovation and professional growth.
- Studies show individuals with many weak ties tend to have higher performance scores and greater chances of promotion.
Strategies for Fostering Connections
- Joining groups outside regular work activities (e.g., sports clubs or philanthropic organizations) can help develop weak ties.
- For managers, facilitating belonging through group activities can enhance workplace connections.
Innovative Onboarding Practices
- An experiment involving colored T-shirts during onboarding led to increased social interactions among new employees.