The bridge towards trust is connection.
The causes of bad days at work are lack of help and support (40 percent) and lack of praise or recognition for the work I do (37 percent). Leaders have the power to influence employees towards more positive days at work through building trust.[1] Leaders can develop and engage people at work through connection. Not just any type of connection; but intentional connection. With more and more companies operating with many remote employees, intentional connection from leadership is vital. And if you can build positivity and fun into the connection: that is the golden ticket.
Many studies indicate that having events or activities, such as picnics, employee spotlights, or company-wide challenges are ways to bring people together and connect. I find the simple things also bring people together. When I heard of a manager opening his meetings by wishing everyone Happy National Creative Ice Cream Flavor Day, it brought a smile to my face. That simple act brings connection in a fun and playful way.
A study found that organizations with engaged employees outperform those with low employee engagement by 202%. They typically have 40% lower turnover, 21% improved productivity, and 22% higher profitability.[2] Businesses save money, while having a high performing culture, through the simple act of intentional connection. Who will you connect with today?
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1Culture Summit. 5 Ways to Make Remote Employees Feel Included. June 18, 2018. Available at: culture summit.com. Accessed May 31, 2019.
2Woohoo Inc. Happiness at Work. Our Study of Bad Work Days: How Common Are They and What Makes Them Bad. 2018. Available at woohooinc.com. Accessed June 3, 2019.
