Why Employees Stay…Hint, It’s Not the Coffee
The Importance of Creating Connections in a Remote/Hybrid World
In this issue: Why Employees Stay…Hint, It’s Not the Coffee / Happiness is fleeting. Aim for fulfillment / The Secret to a Better Workout Is Probably Already in Your Kitchen /The Lighter Side of Connections
Why you’re getting this:
I'm Andrea J. Miller and this is my “On Leading Well” Newsletter. I send this to people in my networks, people I’ve met recently, and friends I want to keep in touch with. You can unsubscribe (SEE THE VERY BOTTOM OF THE EMAIL) anytime, I won’t be offended.
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Whether it’s the first time, or if it’s just been a while, let’s connect and get to know each other (better) as humans.
1. If we’re not connected yet, connect with me on LinkedIn. I post some useful stuff there, as well :); and/or
2. Put 30 minutes on my calendar to chat. No strings attached, whatsoever.
Of course, if there’s something I can help you with, just ask and I’ll do whatever I can to help.
I look forward to connecting!
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Why Employees Stay…Hint, It’s Not the Coffee
As businesses across the globe continue to adapt to remote life, a new challenge has emerged: How to create and maintain a strong, supportive culture when team members may never meet face-to-face?
The answer may lie at the heart of all successful cultures: relationships.
Recently, I traveled some 4,000 miles (~6,400 km for my friends outside the US) ostensibly to see the people I worked with for many years when I lived in Switzerland and am lucky enough to call my friends.
Despite office politics, sometimes less-than-engaging work, and a few “strong” personalities I was usually happy to go to the office because I knew I’d be surrounded by people I genuinely liked and wanted to see.
Many companies often negate this critical factor…to their detriment.
We humans are inherently social creatures.
Despite the complaints and Monday morning blues, as Gallup found over the course of some 30+ years of research, if you have “a best friend” at work, it can make up for a lot.
They found that having a best friend at work is linked to higher employee engagement, increased productivity, and greater well-being.
These strong workplace friendships promoted better communication, enhanced loyalty to the company, and even encouraged safer work practices.
Before you think that that’s great for someone else’s office, but that’ll never happen in mine, have you seen the people I work with (insert eye-roll)?
It’s not as complicated as you might think…though that doesn’t mean it’s easy. It’s about getting the basic care and wellbeing of humans right.
Not surprisingly, it’s about developing more human-centric workplaces that emphasize open communications, recognition, teamwork, and professional development opportunities.
These foundational elements can significantly increase the likelihood of employees forming close relationships, including strong friendships at work.
But the problem remains that many of us are not actually “at work.”
The Not-So-Great Return to the Office
I’d been warned before going back to my old office that “things had changed.” I just didn’t fathom how much.
In the two years since I’d last visited many of the staff I knew had left and still many others were working remotely.
The two floors they once occupied, were now just one, and the many empty offices gave it an eerie, almost haunted feeling.
As I reminisced with those who remained about the “good old days,” I couldn’t help but wonder how the new staff who’d joined in the interim managed the lack of connection that was once such a vital part of my own experience.
How can they and others hired into a remote culture develop the bonds of friendship that made even my worst days okay?
The Remote/Hybrid Dilemma
Remote work has been rightfully extolled for its convenience, cost savings, and flexibility.
But while we optimize for efficiency and comfort, we often underestimate the human need for connection.
This is the remote/hybrid dilemma.
Perhaps we need to begin by reframing it, recognizing that proximity isn’t the only way to create bonds.
How we form connections might be different in a remote setting, but it’s not impossible.
In fact, some might argue they can be even deeper, as people are more vulnerable and genuine from the comfort of their own space.
As with most changes, it will take greater intentionality and determination…in short, unlike my friend-filled work experience, which was so easy that I took it for granted; in our remote world people and companies need to work at it, which actually isn’t as bad as it sounds.
Friends for Life?
Virtual Coffee Breaks
Instead of the usual work meeting, schedule time for casual chats where you talk about everything but work. By recreating those corridor moments, you allow for (semi) spontaneous conversations and get to know your colleagues on a more personal level.
Team-building Activities
Personally, as an ambivert with VERY strong introvert tendencies, forced gatherings can often be painful and, counter-productive. The true aim is to find ways to create shared experiences that are good for all and where everyone can engage in ways that are comfortable for them.
Regular Check-ins
Checking in isn’t always just about getting updates on projects. It’s about asking, “How are you doing, really?” or “What did you do over the weekend?” It’s about getting to know one another as people.
Buddy Systems
Pairing up newer employees with people who have been there longer, can bridge the connection gap. The more experienced employee can share the culture, the unwritten rules, and anecdotes that make the company what it is.
The Dreaded Annual Retreat
Companies should consider an annual or bi-annual retreat to create IRL connections. This time together can solidify the bonds created virtually, making the team more cohesive.
While these strategies can facilitate connection, it's important to remember that genuine relationships can't be forced. They’re developed over time, with trust, understanding, and shared experiences.
At the end of the day, whether you’re 4,000 miles away or four desks down, the essence of connection remains the same. It’s about understanding and being understood, sharing moments both big and small, and knowing that no matter the distance or the medium, at our core, (most of us) want meaningful connections.
So, the next time you log in for a remote workday, remember, that it’s not just about the work. It’s about the people behind the screens.
Let's prioritize these relationships, and in doing so, perhaps we can redefine what it means to be "at work" in this digital age.
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RECOMMENDED LISTENS, READS And Other Interesting Things
Happiness is fleeting. Aim for fulfillment.
It can be achieved when you accept who you are, make the most of what you have and are optimistic about the future
The Secret to a Better Workout Is Probably Already in Your Kitchen
Used correctly, caffeine can help you lift more, run faster, and cycle farther.
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The Lighter Side of Connections
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Are there any other subjects you want me to cover? Hit “Reply” and tell me!
I love hearing from you :)!
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If you enjoyed this newsletter, please forward to a friend (or 5 :) or someone you feel would benefit from reading it!
Andrea J. Miller
+1 (646) 556-5401 (Whatsapp)
Thanks for reading!—
Are there any other subjects you want me to cover? Hit “Reply” and tell me!
I love hearing from you :)!
—
If you enjoyed this newsletter, please forward to a friend (or 5 :) or someone you feel would benefit from reading it!
Andrea J. Miller
+1 (646) 556-5401 (Whatsapp)
Thanks for reading!