The Challenges of Team Connectivity in the Modern Workplace
Jen Marr, the Founder & CEO of Inspiring Comfort, discusses the increasing importance of fostering social connections in the workplace. A connected workforce is more fulfilled, engaged, and protected against burnout. However, many teams struggle to find this connection, especially in the post-pandemic world. Marr identifies four primary reasons for this disconnect:
- People aren’t feeling seen: Even though individuals can recognize when others struggle, they often feel invisible during their challenges.
- Leadership hasn’t evolved with the changing world: Despite the shift towards hybrid work models, some leaders remain stuck in old ways, leaving employees feeling unsupported.
- Over-reliance on screens: The constant use of phones and screens has diminished authentic human interactions, leading to underdeveloped human connection behaviors.
- Implementing the wrong solutions: While focusing on self-care and therapy is essential, addressing social connectedness collectively within organizations is also crucial.
Marr emphasizes that workplace culture is about making people feel valued and suggests tools like the PAUSE filter to improve one-on-one interactions. On a broader scale, she recommends assessing care and connection gaps within organizations and investing in team-building skills.